Trends in population food and nutrient intakes towards the evidence based Scottish Dietary Targets (SDTs)⁽¹⁾ have been monitored from 2001–2009 using secondary analysis of the Living Costs and Food Survey (LCF).

Household food purchase data for Scotland from the UK LCF (Expenditure and Food Survey (EFS) until 2008) was analysed to estimate intakes of foods and nutrients targeted for change in Scotland over the period 2001 to 2009. In addition, data were examined for differences by socioeconomic status measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). Adjustments were made to allocate the correct proportion of each food to the appropriate food group (including composite foods), for waste^{(2, 3)}, and for weight increase or loss due to cooking or dilution. Data were analysed using general linear models within the complex samples module of SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) weighting to the Scottish population and taking account of sampling methods. Results are presented as population means (i.e. consumers and non-consumers) for household and eating out foods combined.

¹ Figures deduced from targets.

² SIMD=Social Index of Multiple Deprivation, for combined years 2001–2003 , 2004–2006 or 2007–2009 .

A standardised methodology has been used to calculate food and nutrient intakes for Scotland on a population basis. The results provide evidence that if trends continue with data for 2010 the SDTs will not have been met by the 2010 target. Clear inequalities are apparent, however, there is no evidence to suggest that the gap between the most and least deprived is increasing with the same very small improvements being seen across all quintiles of SIMD. This monitoring work is of great importance in monitoring dietary goals, and the results for fat, saturated fat and added sugars (NMES) intake are included as Indicators to Monitor Progress of the Obesity Route Map⁽⁴⁾. The results from this work can be further used to inform future policy to target diet and social inequalities.