Following the vote on Food Information to Consumers in the EP ENVI Committee, EPHA is disappointed that MEPs did not give due consideration to public health arguments on food labeling.
EPHA has long been advocating for a traffic light system on food labeling, in line with independent public health evidence and consumer preference. The very tight vote on this specific provision showed that the political debate on this issue is heated. The door therefore remains open for MEPs to reframe the debate and prioritise public health concerns and consumer information in the upcoming plenary vote.
*** Press Release – European Parliament plenary urged to protect the health of Europe’s most vulnerable through clear food labelling***
Given the high levels of obesity in Europe, the European Public Health Alliance is disappointed that following today’s vote on Food Information to Consumers in the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, MEPs did not go far enough to protect the health of their most vulnerable constituents.
EPHA strongly supports a traffic light system on food labeling, in line with independent public health evidence and consumer preference, which allows vulnerable consumers to make quick and simple choices on food, empowering them to choose products that benefit their health, and that of their children. The very tight vote on this specific provision (30-30) showed that the political debate on this issue is heated and there is still time for MEPs to reframe the debate and prioritise the health needs of European citizens in the upcoming plenary vote.
EPHA calls on the European Parliament to represent the interest of the European population when voting on such sensitive pieces of legislation and fulfil its responsibility to protect public health in Europe. Some progress was made, however, in today’s vote on a number of issues, including full nutrition declaration on the back of pack label, mandatory front of pack for select nutrients and the mandatory declaration of transfats – an improvement on the original Commission proposal.
Today’s decision to delete nutrient profiles from the Nutrition and Health Claims regulation is however a gross error on behalf of the Committee. EPHA expects the EP plenary to overturn this decision, in order to secure that food is marketed responsibly – this is a corner stone to good regulation and transparency in Europe’s food production and marketing.
“Clear and simple nutrition labeling is a crucial element of any public health response to this epidemic and will empower those who need it most,” said Monika Kosinska, Secretary General of EPHA. “In order to demonstrate their commitment to healthy lifestyles and informed choices, all MEPs need to use the plenary vote to support this landmark step and demonstrate the commitment of the Parliament to reducing ill health and disease for all citizens, including our most vulnerable ones”, she added.
The shadow rapporteur for the Socialists and Democrats Glenis Willmott MEP said that she will continue to gather support for the traffic lights scheme: “We know that people want this kind of
information and health professionals are clear that it would help in
the battle against obesity, heart disease and diabetes. So why are
manufacturers so afraid of telling people what’s in their food? We’ll
continue to do whatever we can to help shoppers make an informed choice
about what they eat and drink.”
ALDE’s Antonyia Parvanova MEP also committed to improving this piece of legislation: “I will work with colleagues in order to reinforce it and make it more relevant and coherent during the plenary vote. I will continue fighting for the right of consumers to be aware of what they eat and to be able to make healthy choices.”
Greens/EFA’s shadow rapporteur Carl Schlyter MEP went in the same direction: “We […] regret that the traffic lights did not go through in the ENVI Committee. […] Therefore, we, Greens/EFA will do our best to improve this report for the plenary vote that will take place in May.”
****NOTES FOR EDITORS****
EPHA is the European Platform bringing together public health organisations
representing professional groups, patients, health promotion and
disease specific NGOs and other health associations.
For any questions please contact: pressoffice@epha.org.