Food Utilization in the Caribbean

This chapter explores food utilization in the region from the perspectives of food consumption and food safety. The Caribbean faces a double burden of undernourishment and obesity. The prevalence of obesity in adults has increased in all countries, with the highest levels (31.6%) observed in the Bahamas and the lowest (18.6%) in Trinidad and Tobago. Obesity is more prevalent in women, with significant disparities between sexes. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children under 5 years old as well as in children and adolescents ages 5 to 19 is among the highest in the world. Obesity is linked to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Deaths caused by NCDs contribute to increased healthcare costs and economic burdens. Several factors contribute to the rising trend of obesity in the region, including high prices of healthy, locally produced food, limited availability of nutritious food, poor dietary choices, lack of nutritional education and the preponderance of ultra-processed foods. Natural disasters and supply chain challenges exacerbate the problem. At both regional and national levels, efforts are being made to address obesity through policies aimed at promoting healthy eating, reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods, nutrition education, implementing fiscal measures and supporting local food production. Regional frameworks such as the Port of Spain Declaration and the Declaration of St Ann emphasize the importance of multisectoral collaboration and policy coordination. In the area of food safety, the Caribbean faces challenges ranging from foodborne outbreaks exacerbated by climate change impacts and changing food systems. Strengthening food safety systems requires addressing institutional issues, fostering collaboration among agencies and adopting the One Health approach. Comprehensive and coordinated efforts are urgently needed to address the intertwined challenges of overweight, obesity and NCDs, considering their profound health and economic implications. Likewise, concerted actions are essential to enhance food safety, safeguard public health and support economic stability in the Caribbean region.