This study investigated Kuwait food system. Firstly the current dietary consumption of a representative sample of the Kuwaiti population was assessed. Secondly the effects of the 1990 Gulf war on Kuwait's food and nutrition system were investigated. The major part of this study was a National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 20 to 65 years, which is the largest and most detailed survey ever undertaken of the diet and nutritional status of adult people in Kuwait. A food frequency questionnaire was delivered to 491 subjects (response rate 81.8%, 278 female and 213 male). In addition, a sample of 383 (response rate 207 female and 176 male) were interviewed using a 24 hour recall method. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive cross-sectional picture of the dietary habits and nutritional status of the population of Kuwait. The energy and nutrient intakes in the survey were compared with the US RDA.