On 19 December 2025, the United Nations General Assembly decided to establish 16 November as World Mediterranean Diet Day.

The historic decision, as the result of a joint initiative by Mediterranean countries – including Italy, Greece and Cyprus – recognizes the Mediterranean diet not only as a dietary model, but as a holistic way of life, linked to the health of humanity and the planet, biodiversity and social cohesion.

The FAO welcomed the decision, noting that the Mediterranean diet contributes substantially to the prevention of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of sustainable food systems, through the consumption of local and seasonal products and the support of small producers.