The use of government to protect and promote the health of the public through nutrition.

There are broad requirements for translation of scientific knowledge in nutrition to public policy through the legislative process. First, it requires an ability to take highly objective, highly specific, scientifically derived facts--the stuff of scientific knowledge--and translate them into legislation based on highly subjective, quite general, broadly perceived values. Another requirement is to keep the level of uncertainty to tolerable levels during consideration of a legislative proposal. Finally, the governmental action proposed must conform to the perception held at that particular time of the role of government in carrying out the law. Three examples of the use of government to protect and promote the health of the public through nutrition are given. They illustrate very well the trials and tribulations of the untidy process of translating scientific knowledge in nutrition to public policy. Governmental action to improve the health of the general public through dietary means has been much a part of this country's policies. The augmentation of purchasing power of the poor, the distribution of surplus commodities to the indigent, the provision of meals to school children and the elderly, etc., are examples of govermental action. There will be further use of government to protect and promote the health of the public through nutrition. A basic requirement is further understanding of the relationship between nutrients and health through good scientific work.