Abstract

SUAREZ LUGO, Nery. Consumption-derived health. Rev. cub. salud pública [online]. 2010, vol.36, n.4, pp. 322-329. ISSN 0864-3466.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0864-34662010000400006.

Several aspects showing the association of consumption and health were analyzed. Elements linked to poverty and their importance for public health because of the association of individual and family incomes with the consumption possibilities were assessed. The responsibility of the state and of the health authorities in the provision of safe products was exemplified; also, the significance of the co-responsibility of producer, provider and consumer that generally leads to better results in this field was set forth. The role of information and education in the consumer's awareness so that they can perform their function in the society was stressed. Emphasis was made on the consequences of the consumption acts as well as the impact on physical, psychical and social welfare and on the public health as well. The technological development, mainly in the field of processed foodstuffs, gives rise to uncertainty and lack of confidence on the part of the consumer; however, the industry reconciles with these advances and calls upon the health policies to reach adequate balance between consumption and health.

Keywords : Consumption; health.