Dr Nina McGrath is the Area Lead for Content Production at the European Food Information Council (EUFIC), where she oversees the development of science-based content on food and health for the general public. With a decade of experience at EUFIC, she specializes in food science communication, translating complex scientific research into accessible and engaging information. Her work supports EUFIC’s mission to empower and facilitate healthier and more sustainable diets and lifestyles through evidence-based resources and initiatives.
In this interview, Nina discusses how EUFIC interprets the 2025 EAT-Lancet report, the importance of clear science communication, and how food system stakeholders can support a shift toward healthier, more sustainable diets.
How does EUFIC interpret the findings of the 2025 EAT-Lancet report regarding the role of food systems in breaching planetary boundaries?
EUFIC sees the 2025 EAT-Lancet report as an urgent call to action to transform the way we produce and consume food. It confirms that current food systems are a major driver of environmental degradation, contributing about 30% of global greenhouse gases and pushing five key Earth system processes beyond safe limits.
For EUFIC, these findings strengthen the evidence behind the work we already do to help people make informed choices for both their health and the planet. We aim to support the healthy, sustainable diet shift, through science-based communication and practical guidance for consumers on how to eat more plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, pulses and whole grains, and how to reduce consumption of red meat, sugar and salt. These kinds of dietary changes are a win-win for people and the planet, improving health outcomes while reducing pressure on the climate and ecosystems.
The Planetary Health Diet is “flexitarian by design.” Do you believe the term “flexitarian” helps or hinders the communication of planetary health principles?
In EUFIC’s view, “flexitarian” can be a helpful term for communicating about the principles of planetary health diet or plant-based eating. It emphasises a plant-forward approach but does not necessarily mean eliminating all animal products. This framing can make sustainable food choices feel more achievable to the wider public, regardless of their starting point.
EUFIC’s approach is to empower people with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to make small but realistic changes to their eating habits. Rather than promoting drastic overhauls that can be hard to sustain, we focus on achievable steps, such as adding more vegetables to meals, swapping meat for plant proteins once or twice a week, or reducing portion sizes of animal products. Behaviour change research shows that these gradual shifts are more likely to stick over time. In this way, “flexitarian” becomes not just a label but a practical, empowering pathway toward healthy, sustainable eating.
The report shows global diets lack sufficient fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. What are the main barriers preventing people from eating more of these foods?
There are several well-known barriers that make it challenging for people to eat enough fruits, vegetables, pulses, and whole grains. Practical factors can be a big hurdle. For instance, many perceive these foods to be relatively expensive, time-consuming to prepare, or simply not readily available in their daily environment (e.g. lack of options in the supermarket or workplace cafeteria). Taste and habit play a role too: some people consider plant-based proteins such as beans or lentils as less palatable or worry they won’t be as satisfying or filling as meat.
Additionally, there may be a knowledge gap from a cooking perspective. Not everyone feels confident in how to prepare tasty, filling dishes with beans, vegetables or whole grains. Overcoming these barriers will require action on several fronts to make plant-rich foods more affordable, convenient, and appealing (for example, through education, tasty product innovations, and supportive policies) so that the healthier, more sustainable choice becomes the easier choice.
What role does clear, accessible science communication play in helping people navigate the upcoming media coverage and potential debate around this report?
Clear and accessible science communication is crucial in this moment. The release of the EAT-Lancet report once again puts plant-forward diets in the spotlight, sparking public debate and renewed interest in how our food choices affect health and the planet. EUFIC’s role is to build on this visibility by providing credible, easy-to-understand information that helps people take practical steps toward healthier, more sustainable eating.
We translate complex science into actionable advice. For example, we show people how to include more plant-based foods, reduce meat consumption gradually, or make balanced swaps that feel achievable in daily life. This approach helps people cut through sensational headlines, misinformation, or polarised debate and instead focus on realistic changes they can sustain over the long-term.
The report notes “the wealthiest 30% of people drive more than 70% of food-related environmental impacts.” How can EUFIC’s communication target this top 30% to encourage consumption change without polarizing the wider public?
This statistic indicates that some population groups have a larger environmental impact through their food choices. Despite this, our approach is to focus on empowering all audiences with credible information and practical solutions, rather than blaming or singling anyone out.
No matter who we’re talking to, we frame dietary change as a positive opportunity to improve health and support the planet by highlighting simple, achievable actions like adding more plant-based meals, reducing food waste, or choosing seasonal produce. We also encourage dialogue and peer influence, as social norms can change when sustainable choices become more visible.
