PNNS 5: a new initiative to improve the nutritional health of the French population, spearheaded by Mathilde Touvier
At the One Health Summit, the government officially unveiled the fifth National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS 5) for the period 2026–2030. This new roadmap, an extension of the National Strategy for Food, Nutrition, and Climate (SNANC), marks an important milestone in France’s strategy for preventing chronic diseases, with three major priorities: improving dietary habits, promoting physical activity, and reducing social health inequalities.
Created in 2001, the National Nutrition and Health Program aims to promote healthier dietary habits, encourage physical activity, and combat a sedentary lifestyle. Building on previous efforts, PNNS 5 strengthens and extends this commitment through 2030, aiming to prevent chronic diseases and reduce social inequalities in health throughout in metropolitan France and the overseas territories.
The new program notably calls for the widespread adoption of the Nutri-Score, reduced exposure to ultra-processed foods, restrictions on food marketing targeting children, and strengthened prevention efforts focused on physical activity. Co-benefits for health and the environment also play a central role in this new strategy.
One of the program’s key objectives is to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents by 30%, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable populations. The government also intends to improve the nutritional quality of food offerings, promote more sustainable products, and enhance consumer information.
In this context, the appointment of Mathilde Touvier as chair of PNNS 5 appears to be a strong signal from the public authorities. Director of the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (CRESS-EREN/Inserm/Inra/Sorbonne University Paris Nord/CNAM/Paris Cité University), research director at Inserm, and principal investigator of the NutriNet-Santé cohort.
For several years, Mathilde Touvier and her team have been contributing to shape French and European nutrition policies. In particular, she contributed to the development of the Nutri-Score, which has since been officially adopted in eight European countries. She is also internationally recognized for her research, which has significantly advanced understanding of the health impacts of ultra-processed foods and food additives. Her expertise is also recognized by numerous French and international institutions, including the World Health Organization, Inserm, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
In the preface to the official PNNS 5 document, Mathilde Touvier notes that “nutrition is a major lever for sustainably improving the health of the French population.” She also emphasizes the importance of adapting public policies to scientific advances and promoting healthier eating behaviors.
This new governance structure comes at a time when food-related issues are taking on increasing prominence in public debate: rising obesity rates, the spread of chronic diseases, food insecurity, and the environmental impact of food systems. The PNNS 5 thus aims to provide a more cross-cutting and structured response to these challenges.
With the nomination of Mathilde Touvier, the government has chosen a leading scientific figure to steer this new phase of French nutrition policy. This direction underscores the commitment to placing prevention, science, and public health at the heart of food policies in the coming years.
https://sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/pnns_5_2026-2030.pdf
By Mathilde Touvier
