The Wheel of Five (Dutch: Schijf van Vijf) is a tool developed by the Dutch Nutrition Centre that shows which foods contribute to a healthy diet. Its five sections provide recommendations for different food groups and their recommended amounts. These recommendations are based on scientific research and take health, sustainability and food safety into account.
The VISwijzer in the Wheel of Five
Fish, crustaceans, and shellfish are all included in the Wheel of Five because they provide important nutrients, and eating fish reduces the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases. The Health Council recommends eating 100 grams of fish per week, preferably oily fish, with attention to sustainability. The Dutch Nutrition Centre and the Health Council refer to the VISwijzer to help consumers choose fish with a lower environmental impact.
Not all fish is equally sustainable. Wild caught fish can contribute to overfishing, unwanted bycatch and damage to the seabed. For farmed fish, the main concerns include pollution of surrounding waters, loss of habitats for native fish, and the use of fishmeal and fish oil in feed. The impact depends on the species, its origin and the method used to catch or farm it. The VISwijzer assesses both wild caught and farmed fish on these factors to help consumers make a more sustainable choice.
Which fish is a sustainable choice?
The VISwijzer uses a traffic light system. Green indicates a good sustainable choice, orange indicates a second choice for when green isn’t available, and red means that the fish has several sustainability problems and is best avoided. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not use fish species rated red in its recipes. The VISwijzer assesses the sustainability of fishing or farming methods, not the nutritional value or food safety of the product. Whether a fish product is also included in the Wheel of Five depends on other factors, such as its salt content.
Use the VISwijzer to check which origin and fishing or farming method offers the best choice. This helps put the recommendation to eat sustainable fish every week into practice.
Want to know more?
Visit the Wheel of Five for nutritional advice and the VISwijzer to find out which fish are currently recommended.