The release of the latest EAT-Lancet report on "healthy, sustainable and just food systems" comes amid repeated calls for a policy review within the European Union. The report highlights the need for changes in agriculture, fiscal, health, environmental, and education policies, as current frameworks are seen as favoring ultra-processed foods over fresh produce.
Consumption of fruit and vegetables across the EU remains well below recommended levels for health and sustainability. Combined targets approach 800 grams per person per day, while actual intake averages about 350 grams. At the same time, over half of adults in the EU are overweight, and nearly one in six is obese. Diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, account for over 90% of deaths in the EU.
© freshfel
The report notes that fresh fruit and vegetables have lower environmental impacts compared with many other food groups and play an important role in supporting health outcomes. However, EU agricultural subsidies and fiscal policies remain misaligned, continuing to support ultra-processed food production. The lack of a robust nutritional education strategy is also highlighted, with the 2019 "Tartu Declaration" on nutrition and physical activity cited as an example of incomplete implementation.
According to Freshfel Europe's General Delegate Philippe Binard, "The EAT-Lancet Report on Healthy, Sustainable and Just Food Systems delivers a clear and urgent signal from the scientific community and fully matches the year-long narrative carried by Freshfel Europe." He emphasized that the EU and national policymakers need to realign food, health, and agricultural policies, stating, "The EU cannot afford to ignore the power of fruit and vegetables. They are the foundation of healthier citizens, a healthier planet, and a competitive rural economy."
Freshfel Europe continues to urge policymakers to address what it describes as an imbalance in food policies. It argues that subsidies and production incentives should be better aligned with nutritional and dietary guidelines, and that impact assessments of agriculture, health, fiscal, and environmental measures should include health and sustainability goals.
The organization calls for a coherent action plan from the European Commission to place fresh produce more centrally within food policy.
© freshfelFor more information:
Philippe Binard
Freshfel
Tel: +32 (0) 2 777 1580
Email: [email protected]
www.freshfel.org
