Freshfel Europe has called upon the European Union to recognise the social and health benefits of a balanced diet rich in fresh produce, and has advocated for building a European strategy reduce inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption in particular target groups.
According to a news release, Freshfel has joined with Aprifel, Areflh and the European Public Health & Agriculture Consortium to back the ambitious strategy, which would be further supported by improved communication tools on the health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption.
A briefing lunch in the European Parliament, taking place on the opening day of the EGEA conference, enabled MEPs and representatives from the EC and member states to identify policy options to increase access to and the consumption of fruit and vegetables.
“The latest edition of the Freshfel Consumption Monitor as well as other estimations clearly indicate that less than 50 per cent of EU citizens are reaching the recommended consumption levels of a minimum of 400g per day,' said Freshfel general delegate Philippe Binard. 'Chronic diseases are reaching epidemic levels, seriously jeopardising the health of the European population.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 8 per cent of health care costs in Europe can be attributed to non-communicable diseases,' Mr Binard added. 'A well articulated and ambitious EU strategy is urgently needed to remedy the situation.'
Research carried out by Professor Ibrahim Elmadfa of the University of Vienna in Austria indicates that there are huge gaps in fruit and vegetable intake between socio-economic groups, Freshfel said, with the current financial crisis further exacerbating inequalities in diet, particularly among the young and vulnerable population groups.
Freshfel noted that the proper implementation of the School Fruit Scheme and improving the nutritional quality of the Most Deprived Persons scheme are therefore crucial to stimulating consumption, while better integrating agricultural and public health policy at European level.
“The EU should act as a catalyst for improved communication to European citizens on the benefits of eating more fruit and vegetables,' said Freshfel Europe president Ramon Rey. 'Daily messages aimed at increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption could be used, such as information on School Fruit Schemes in Member States, best practices across Europe, information on the 5-a-day campaign and innovative actions to improve the availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables. Actions should target children and low socioeconomic status groups which are particularly vulnerable to the advertising of high fat and high sugar foods.'
