Why carry out this work? Scientific advice on nutrient intakes is an important basis for Community action in the field of nutrition; for example in the past such advice has been used to define reference values for nutrition labelling.

There was a need to review and update the latest report on nutrient and energy intakes for the European Community which was prepared by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 1993. Scientists of EFSA’s NDA Panel took therefore into account the evidence available in this field, which has significantly increased in the past decades.

With these opinions on fats and carbohydrates, EFSA delivers the first part of its work related to macronutrients. The second part on micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is due in 2010. EFSA also consulted on the General principles for setting DRVs, on DRVs for water, and on the Guidance for food-based dietary guidelines in 2008.

What are DRVs? A balanced diet is one that provides adequate amounts of energy and nutrients for health and well-being. Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) are the complete set of nutrient recommendations and reference values, such as population reference intakes, the average requirement, adequate intake level and the lower threshold intake.

They are used for the assessment and planning of diets both at the population and individual level, as well as a basis for reference values in food labelling.

DRVs are also used for establishing food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG), which translate nutritional recommendations into messages about foods and diet. FBDG can guide consumers on what to eat and help them make healthy dietary choices.