Research work · 2000
Nutrition research priorities for the food industry
Richard C. Cottrell
Nutrition Bulletin
Abstract
SummaryThe food industry must take an interest in nutrition research prioritisation both for short‐ and long‐term commercial reasons and to fulfil its social responsibilities towards its customers. It should be emphasised, however, that these responsibilities are necessarily limited by practical considerations. Research priorities should take account of strategic goals as well as the technical capability of the nutrition research community at any particular point in time. Important strategic needs for research in nutrition require techniques that have yet to be developed. Whether or not the outcome of research may be commercially exploitable may significantly influence the enthusiasm of companies to provide funding but should not be the main criterion in setting priorities for publicly funded research. Opportunities for co‐operation in research funding should be sought only after the object of the research, the methods to be used and the principal researchers have been chosen. Programmes that place too great an emphasis on co‐operation tend to distort and trivialise the subjects given priority. A number of areas of research into the common ‘nutrition‐related’ diseases of our time (cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, anaemia, osteoporosis and dental caries) fulfil strategic needs, are practical and timely, are commercially exploitable and also offer opportunities for co‐operative funding. These areas should be prime targets for research funding from both public and private sources.