An independent institute at the interface of nutrition science, consumers, government, and industry, NIN is in a unique position to foster effective partnerships among those sectors. This multisectoral nature is reflected in the Institute's structure, collaborative research projects and communication programs.
NIN is recognized for its commitment to ongoing collaborative consumer research. The Institute has published four Tracking Nutrition Trends surveys since 1990, providing a means to benchmark and monitor changing attitudes toward food and nutrition issues among Canadian consumers. Other studies have identified important consumer perspectives on such emerging issues as functional foods, nutrition labelling, health claims and voluntary labelling of foods from biotechnology. The insights gained from this research guide the actions of policy makers, health professionals, industry, and, ultimately, the consumer.
