Headlines - ANSES Launches Its Third National Individual Dietary Survey (INCA 3)

The role of diet and physical activity in the development or prevention of certain diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, is now scientifically established. To better understand the diet and nutritional status of the population, ANSES conducts a national individual dietary survey (INCA) every seven years. In 1999, the first INCA study covered approximately 3,000 individuals over the age of 3. In 2006–2007, the dietary habits of more than 4,000 participants were documented. The third INCA study was launched on February 6, 2014, and for the first time includes children from birth to age 3. It will run for one year under the auspices of the ministries responsible for food and health and, this year, in collaboration with the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (INPES) and in coordination with the biomonitoring program (Esteban) of the Institute for Public Health Surveillance (INVS). These studies are essential tools for risk assessment. Combined with ANSES’s monitoring plans and databases on food composition (several million data points), these data provide insight into the intake of beneficial substances in our diet (vitamins, essential fatty acids, ...) as well as exposure levels—that is, the doses ingested—to harmful substances that may be present in food (heavy metals, pesticide residues, toxins, etc.). INCA studies also make it possible to assess the population’s diet in relation to the recommendations of the National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS) and to consider continuing, modifying, or strengthening the priorities of nutrition policy in France.