Food scientists and technologists have an essential role in ensuring nutritional well-being throughout the world and can foster sustainable development in low-income countries. This was recognized at the ninth World Congress of Food Science and Technology, held in Budapest, Hungary from 30 July to 4 August 1995. The congress, held every four years, is sponsored by the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFOST), which represents over 150000 food scientists and technologists from around the world, Over 1500 scientists, food technologists, educators, food industry representives, consumers and representatives from government, intergovernmental agencies and non-governmental organizations participated in the meeting, where they declared their commitment to protect and promote nutritional well-being for all.

The Budapest Declaration is based on the World Declaration on Nutrition of the FAO/WHO International Conference on Nutrition, Rome, December 1992, which was adopted by acclamation by ministers and plenipotentiaries representing 159 States and the European Economic Community. This source is indicated by italics below,