Mediterranean diet as intangible heritage of humanity: 10 years on

The Mediterranean diet was recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage ten years ago.

• The recognition has facilitated monitoring of the Mediterranean diet's significance and implications over the last decade.
• Efforts have focused on safeguarding the intangible heritage of the Mediterranean diet to prevent erosion at various levels.
• Research is needed to address and dispel myths about the traditional Mediterranean diet that mischaracterize it.
• The Mediterranean diet is aligned with sustainability, supporting biodiversity and being nutritionally adequate and culturally acceptable.
• Aiming for a global reference diet, preserving the Mediterranean diet may provide benefits for humanity as a whole.

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