Health Council of the Netherlands

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The Health Council of the Netherlands, also known as the Gezondheidsraad, is an independent Dutch scientific body. It advises the government and parliament on public health and medical research. The council’s origins go back to 1902, when the Central Health Council was created after the 1901 Health Act. That act also set up a public health inspection service, now called the Dutch Health Care Inspectorate (IGZ). The Central Health Council both ran the inspection service and advised the government, which caused clashes between governing and advisory duties. In 1919 a new Health Act moved the inspection service to government control, and the Central Health Council began to focus only on advice. The council then consisted of scientists and representatives from society and professional groups, and its name was shortened to Gezondheidsraad. It can issue recommendations on both societal and scientific matters. In 2015, the Dutch Dietary Guidelines encouraged more plant-based foods, less animal-based foods, and reduced processed sugar to improve health.