The debate that preceded the vote on the Foglietta Report provided MEPs with the opportunity to voice concerns over certain sections and paragraphs included in the report. The debate centred on the role of the European Union (EU) as an arbiter on the issues of obesity and nutrition. There was general consensus amongst MEPs that obesity is an issue that has reached epidemic levels. It was recognised that in order to tackle this issue, Europe must develop a cross-sectional approach that will incorporate all policy areas. There was, however, a distinct lack of consensus on how far the European approach should reach, and the extent to which the EU should regulate on issues that many consider to be a member-state competency, or simply an individual’s right to choose a lifestyle that suits them. An additional factor that was discussed was the logistics of implementing EU policy on advertising and food labelling; if the voluntary codes which are currently in place remain, then there needs to be a certain amount of monitoring to ensure that self-regulation is actually undertaken.
Many MEPs took this opportunity to speak out in favour of increased measures to tackle obesity. Linda McAvan (PES, UK) emphasised the importance of regulating food labelling and advocated both front-of-pack labelling and the introduction of colour coding. She also supported measures to increase regulation, particularly as a way of protecting the health of children who are unable to make ’healthy choices.’ Danute Budreikaite (ALDE) pointed out that 89% of food advertised on TV is unhealthy, this must change if we are to encourage healthy-eating attitudes amongst consumers. There was also support for the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme from members present at the plenary session. Justas Vincas Paleckis (PES, LT) welcomed this initiative, but said that he would favour the provision of EU funding to assist Member States with the financial burden.
An underlying theme of the debate was that the obesity issue is complex, and therefore demands a complex response. Commissioner Laszlo Kovacs recognised the various projects which mutually reinforce the White Paper, including the Green Paper on Urban Mobility, the White Paper on Sport, the CAP Health Check and legislation on advertising and marketing. He also announced that the Commission plans to establish a high-level group focussed on nutrition and physical-activity-related issues. Whilst he understood a certain reluctance to commit to regulations, the tone of his comments suggested that, if progress on the issue is not marked, then a regulatory approach will have to be considered.
Several MEPs called for the EU not to over-regulate personal health. Phillip Bushill-Matthews (EPP-ED, UK) insisted that the people of Europe must be responsible for their own health, and that the food and drink industry should not be blamed for failing to provide a sufficient solution to what is, after all, a personal lifestyle choice. He did, however, emphasise the need for more activity-friendly communities (more sports facilities, more bicycle routes) and a multilateral approach that recognises physical activity as an important factor. There was also concern that tax measures (relating to lowered VAT on fruit and vegetables) should be included in a health-based report.
An important point of objection was the issue of colour coding on food packaging. Christa Klass (PPE-DE, DE) felt that the traffic light system would not work as it would only confuse the consumer and therefore lobbied for a vote against Figure 37. In fact, Figure 37 went under a split vote, with the second part of the paragraph, which referred to the colour coding, being rejected.
EPHA Comments
With the knowledge that obesity is an ever-worsening problem for Europe, it is encouraging to see that it is being discussed in a direct and constructive manner. The prospect of a high-level group focussed on nutrition and physical activity is a promising development, and would be a valuable addition to the work already carried out by the EU Platform on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. We hope that the high-level group would guarantee a strong position for civil society organisations, in particular those dealing with public health issues. The possible expansion of Public-Private Partnerships focussing on physical activity and diet-related issues is an area that EPHA is following closely.
It was regrettable that the Figure 37 went under a split vote, as it has now resulted in colour coding being removed from the White Paper. EPHA strongly believes that such a system could be an effective tool for promoting health protection and informing consumers.
