Cancer

Food taxation in Europe: Evolution of the legislation

More and more countries adopt stricter food taxation and food fiscal measures, as a response to the obesity epidemics and the financial crisis. This article will be updated regularly with the evolution of the legislation in EU Member States. Overview of the discussions and/or implementation of such measures in European countries In January 2010, the Romanian Government announced the possible introduction of a tax that would impact on foods that are high in fats, salt, sugars and (...)

EFSA becomes transparent on aspartame

Following on from a Commission request, EFSA published, on 24 November 2011, more than 800 datasets on aspartame. This comes when the EFSA has been tasked to re-evaluate the safety of aspartame that some consider as carcinogenic. Last May, the European Commission commissioned the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to fully re-evaluate the safety of aspartame. Following on from the public call for data launched few months ago, EFSA released, on 24 November 2011, more than 600 datasets (...)

TobTaxy Project: Registration open for the Training in Ireland

For NGOs based in the UK, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands or Norway and want to be trained in tobacco taxation - Registrations opened until 20 January 2012.

Stopping fires caused by unattended cigarettes in the EU

Every year, 30 000 fires happen in the European Union because of cigarettes that are left unattended. The European Commission decided to act.

EPHA briefing on food taxation and other fiscal measures

An increasing number of European countries consider introducing ’fat’ or ’sugar’ taxes as a combined response to both the economic crisis and the fight against obesity. EPHA has developed a briefing to assess how such taxes could be implemented and which fiscal measures would make healthier options more affordable and the unhealthy more expensive. Because the price of a product is one of the elements that strongly influences its purchase, an increasing number of (...)

Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive: false claims made by the tobacco industry

Cancer Research UK has produced a briefing note rebusting some of the false claims made by the tobacco industry about the ’Tobacco Product Directive’. The Tobacco Product Directive is being revised by the EU since September 2010, with intensive lobbying from the tobacco industry to prevent its strengthening. The Cancer Research UK briefing provides an outline of the key issues related to the Tobacco Products Directive and addresses some of the false claims (myths) that are (...)

EPHA Open Letter to the Irish Minister for Health on the proposed sugar tax

Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health of Ireland, announced in last September considering introducing a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. The European Public Health Alliance welcomes the initiative and strongly encourages the Government to take its initiative forward. In September 2011, Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health of Ireland, announced he is considering introducing a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. Ireland is, as many European countries, seriously affected by overweight, (...)

European Alcohol and Health Forum: no commitment from Commissioner Dalli to launch a new Alcohol strategy

The 9th meeting of the European Alcohol and Health Forum took place on 19th of October 2011 and focused on the issue of alcohol and young people. John Dalli, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy adressed the Forum and emphasised the role of the Alcohol and Health Forum as one of the tools for EU actions on alcohol related harm. On Wednesday 19th of October 2011, members of the European Alcohol and Health Forum met and discussed the issues of alcohol and youth. Alcohol and the (...)

EPHA Summary of the EU Platform for action on Diet, Physical activity and Health

A meeting of the EU Platform for action on Diet, Physical activity and Health took place on 6th of October 2011. Participants exchanged on the issues of education and communication, notably on the establishment of a framework to communicate on the Platform achievements. Further information about the Platform meeting are available below. On Thursday 6th of October 2011, members of the EU Platform for action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health met and discussed the issues of education and (...)

10 facts about physical activity - World Health Organization

The World Health Organization releases a list of 10 facts about physical activity which are aimed to inform the general public. 1. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, 2. Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy body, 3. Physical activity should not be mistaken for sport, 4. Both moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity bring health benefits, 5. People aged 5-17 years old should exercice 60min per day at least, 6. People (...)