Development of Nutrition Standards and the Emergence of Healthy Meal Standard
The development of nutrition standards is closely linked to the development of public health, the food industry and global trade. Over the past few decades, standards have continuously evolved — from basic food safety towards increasingly complex management of quality, transparency and nutritional value.
From Food Safety to Nutrition Management
Food Safety as Priority
Modern food management systems began with the development of the HACCP system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) in the 1960s, initially developed for NASA’s space programme. HACCP introduced a systematic approach to risk control in food production and became the foundation of global food safety standards.
Standardisation and Quality Management
With the development of international standards, especially ISO standards, food systems gained an additional level of management. ISO 9001 introduced quality management, while ISO 22000 integrated food safety into the management system. The focus remained predominantly on product safety and quality, while the nutritional aspect remained insufficiently structured.
Nutrition, Public Health and Regulation
With the rise of chronic non-communicable diseases, allergies and specific dietary needs, nutrition has become a key public health issue. The European Union and international institutions such as EFSA and WHO have developed dietary guidelines, allergen regulations and disease prevention strategies.
Emergence Healthy Meal Standard
Healthy Meal Standard was developed in 2015 in response to the gap between recommendations and actual implementation in nutrition systems. Instead of focusing solely on food safety or individual menus, HMS introduces a system that manages the entire nutrition process — a Nutrition Category Management System.
From Recommendations to Implementation
Despite the existence of scientific recommendations and a legislative framework, a key problem emerged — there was no operational system to ensure their consistent implementation in everyday practice.
International System for Different Environments
Since its establishment, HMS has developed as an international system applicable across different environments — from educational institutions to healthcare facilities and tourism.
Kindergartens and Schools
Health institutions
Care Systems
Tourism and Hospitality
Find out more about HMS System
Explore how HMS can transform nutrition management in your organisation — from categories to certification.