Abstract: Objective To study the recognition of mutual restraint between food among different people in Lanzhouarea,and to supply scientific evidence for correctly dealing with mutual restra int between food.Methods With random cluster sampling,1 346 people were chosen from Lanzhou area and investigated with a self-designed questionnaire.Results Books,magazines,television,relatives and friends were the major ways for the subjects to learn about the mutual restra int between food.People above 45 years old and farmers had the lowest mean score for the cognition.Of all subjects,69.5%(936)conside red that the mutual restra int between food was scientific;72.8%(980)believed it was necessary to avoid eating the mutual restra int food;64.0%(862)thought cooking method and food combination should be concerned;17.5%(236)thought mutual restra int between food should be of ten or occasionally concerned;62.4%(824)thought that balanced diet and nutrition were more important.In additions,tatistical significant difference was observed between students and other groups in correct cognition of mutual restra int between food(P<0.01).Service staff paid more attention to cooking method and food combination and doctors were more concerned with balanced diat and nutrition.Conclusion The reexist different cognition on mutual restra int between food among the populations in Lanzhou area.Health promotion on diet is needed.