Rome, June 12 (IANS): Queen Letizia of Spain on Friday said throwing away food at a time when more than 800 million people are suffering from starvation is "unacceptable" behaviour, Spanish news agency Efe reported.

The queen's remarks were made during her speech at the Rome headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) after she was named as the organisation's special ambassador for nutrition earlier on Friday.

In her speech, Letizia said starting from her first day in office, she would "serve the objectives of this UN agency in the most effective manner".

She added that progress has been made in the fight against hunger and malnutrition, but she made it clear that maintaining forward momentum is vital in the face of the "frightening number of people who suffer from hunger".

The queen thanked the agency for bestowing upon her "such honour", and stressed the consequences of nutrition on the health and the welfare of individuals.

Meanwhile, FAO director general Jose Graziano da Silva said: "We are fully confident that her majesty will help those who most need it break the vicious cycle of chronic hunger and malnutrition."

The appointment of Queen Letizia was made in recognition of her personal commitment to eradicating hunger and malnutrition, and also is a testament to the queen's strong interest in scientific research to support health, education and innovation, according to FAO.

An FAO special ambassador remains in place for a period of two years, subject to renewal.