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Optimizing Per Capita Dairy Consumption in Iran: Policy Brief
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R Roustaee   , D Ghodsi * , H Rafiee , N Omidvar , H Eini-Zinab |
| , delaramghodsi@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (7 Views) |
Background and objectives: Regular consumption of adequate amounts of dairy products may contribute to reducing the burden of common chronic diseases, improving public health and lowering healthcare-related expenditures. In recent years, however, the low per capita consumption of milk and dairy products in the country, along with its continuing downward trend, has emerged as a significant public health concern.
Materials and methods: Using semi-structured in-depth interviews with key experts in the dairy food system, the challenges of the food system and effective strategies influencing dairy consumption were identified. Subsequently, strategies were extracted and prioritized through SWOT analysis, and validated in a policy dialogue session attended by relevant stakeholders.
Results: Ineffective governmental sectoral policies within the milk and dairy food system, its unsustainable development, inconsistencies in product quality, high supply and distribution costs and widespread misconceptions about dairy consumption have been identified as major challenges contributing to the decline in dairy intake. Proposed strategies to enhance per capita dairy consumption include reforming policy-making structure and processes, stimulating demand through revision in dairy production and processing policies, implementing direct consumer support initiatives, promoting public awareness and cultural acceptance, and developing targeted promotional programs aimed to encouraging dairy consumption.
Conclusion: Improving the per capita dairy consumption in the country requires reforming existing conditions and implementing integrated policy-making across the production-to-consumption chain, along with direct consumer support and targeted cultural promotion programs. |
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| Keywords: Milk and dairy products, Per capita consumption, Food system, Policy brief, Iran |
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Full-Text [PDF 643 kb]
(8 Downloads)
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Article type: Brief Policy |
Subject:
nutrition
Received: 2026/05/25 | Accepted: 2026/01/30 | Published: 2026/06/1
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