European fresh produce association Freshfel has backed the adoption of a framework for a pan-European school fruit scheme by the European Commission, calling the move a 'big step in the right direction'.
The decision could help reverse the obesity epidemic that affects 22m children across Europe, Freshfel said, stimulating the adoption of healthier diets and eating habits in young people.
The European Parliament's adoption of the new regulations yesterday (18 November) has cleared the way for agricultural ministers to vote on the adoption of the School Fruit Scheme, with Freshfel urging member states to reinforce the move.
'The Commission proposal is built upon the distribution of one piece of fruit per child per week during the school term, To have an impact and change eating habits among the youngest, the Commission proposals remain insufficient,' said Philippe Binard, general delegate of Freshfel. 'Freshfel therefore supports the parliament decision that fruit should be made available every day of the week to secure the greatest efficiency of the measure.'
The European Commission's proposal of a €156m budget for the scheme has been dismissed by Freshfel, which feels that the European Parliament's suggested yearly budget of €500m will make for a more comprehensive programme.
'The school fruit scheme is an excellent opportunity to get children acquainted with eating fresh produce and discovering the wide variety of testes and textures of fresh fruit and vegetables, whilst also taking the full benefits of all the healthy assets of these products,' said Dr Laurence Swan, chairman of the Freshfel promotion, communication and image working group. 'Freshfel is advocating raising the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables across Europe to the World Health Organisation's recommendation of at least 400g per day.'
