The best way to improve the diet of Irish people was to "make healthier ways of eating better value for the consumer", Labour TD Dr Mary Upton has said.
Coinciding with Healthy Eating Week, Dr Upton said sensible and balanced eating patterns with regular exercise were crucial to a better lifestyle, while consumers should be wary of fad diets.
There was a strong case for a food minister, separate from the Department of Agriculture, who would ensure food was safe and encourage sensible eating, she said. With such demand for convenience foods, there was a need to ensure the best and healthiest ingredients were used in such products, and to support the fresh food sector in every way possible.