News | RIVM

Eating less salt can prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes

Lowering the amount of salt in processed foods or choosing low-salt alternatives can lead to substantial health benefits when it comes to cardiovascular disease.

Flu season in the winter of 2014 / 2015 more severe and longer than preceding years

The flu epidemic in the winter of 2014 / 2015 lasted 21 weeks and as such was the longest epidemic ever recorded in the Netherlands. Nearly two million people suffered from flu-like symptoms.

Virus RNA can help to prevent the spread of infection

Using information about the RNA (genetic material) of a virus in reconstructing an outbreak can help to map the extent of the outbreak, the infection source and the way in which the virus is transm

Warning labels on chicken products are well read and highly valued

A warning label on the packaging of raw chicken products may result in improved kitchen hygiene among one quarter of the population.

Large differences in childhood obesity in Europe

The percentage of overweight (including obesity) among 6-9-year-old children differs between European countries, ranging from 18 to 57%. Percentages are highest in southern European countries.

No health risks associated with foods and food supplements containing Krill and microalgae oils

Consumption of foods and food supplements that contain oil from microalgae Schizochytrium sp. and Krill oil do not cause harm to our health.

No evidence of increased incidence of breast cancer with insulin glargine

Insulin glargine is used in the treatment of diabetes.

Lower salt contents in some foods, but similar saturated fat contents

Some foods contain less salt in 2014 compared with 2011. According to research by RIVM the salt content of bread was 21 percent lower in 2011.

Risk assessment of dyes and flame retardants; there’s room for improvement

On request of the Dutch food and product safety authority, RIVM has developed a prioritization method for substances used in textile production.

RIVM designated as WHO Collaborating Centre Antimicrobial Resistance Epidemiology and Surveillance

AMR is one of the major global challenges in infectious disease control.