[Food consumption in Denmark is changing. Positive trends have stagnated during the period 2001-2004].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe trends in food consumption habits in Denmark, based on a food frequency survey conducted by the Danish Nutrition Council in 2004, and to compare the results to results from similar surveys in 1995, 1998 and 2001.

Materials And Methods: A random population sample of 1,093 men and women, (15-92 years of age) were interviewed by telephone. They were asked 16 food frequency questions on nutritionally important foods (yoghurt, milk [2 questions], cheese, rye bread, wheat bread, sandwiches with fish, fish as the main meal, meat as the main meal, potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables [3 questions], fruit), as well as questions about the type of milk and type of fat spreads most often used.

Results: Several positive developments in the period 1995-2001 have slowed down during the 2001-2005, and several negative trends have continued. The previous increase in fruit and vegetable consumption has weakened, and the decrease in consumption of bread and potatoes has continued. Furthermore, the previous increase in the proportion of the population not using any kind of fat spread on their bread has reached a standstill. However, the relative increase in consumption of low-fat milk has continued.

Discussion: The results show that the previous positive trends in Danish dietary habits, during the period 1995-2001, have come to a standstill. There is therefore a need for a new and more effective effort to encourage positive changes in food consumption patterns.