The future of food and farming is very much in the spotlight at the moment, following the establishment of the Policy Commission in August. Set up to independently advise the Government, its aim is to look at how "a sustainable, competitive and diverse farming and food sector which contributes to a thriving rural economy and advances environmental, economic, health and animal welfare goals" can be created. This issue, therefore, takes a diverse and in-depth look at some of the issues related to food and public health.

We kick off on with a report on the surveillance and economic evaluation of infectious intestinal disease. Of particular concern to local authorities is underreporting, which seriously affects the ability of the national surveillance system to accurately assess the true number of cases of foodborne illness in the UK, and has a considerable economic impact on local authority budgeting. Consumer power is often overlooked and Dr Jeremy Leach explores the issues surrounding the introduction of a national food hygiene award scheme. Could this be a way forward in improving standards in the catering and retail sector? We ask the question: "Has the introduction of butchers' licensing and Haccp resulted in safer food for consumers?" Our profile of one professional butcher, and his experiences over the last twelve months makes interesting reading. Still on the subject of licensing, Nick Warburton looks at the "pros" and "cons" of implementing licensing for all food premises. The debate surrounding the issue threatens to rumble on for quite some time. Dr Fiona Bushell takes a wider public health view of the food we eat and discusses the impact of food on physical and mental health, and the role that food plays in cultural society.

Finally, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year, and urge all our readers to take part in our relaunched Water for Kids Christmas card appeal - a special card can be found inserted into this issue.

Tracey Khanna, Editor