Despite a fine environment and a high overall standard of living, Tasmanians experience a significant burden of preventable diet-related chronic disease and food borne illnesses. Tasmania has rates of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and some cancers as high as, and in some instances higher than other Australian States. These preventable illnesses are costly in social and economic terms, both to the individual and their families as well as to the community.

This policy aims to develop a food system for Tasmania that contributes to the reduction in costs of diet- related disease and food-borne illness.

See also the  2009 Progress Report (60) for the Food and nutrition policy.