A coalition of health organizations representing millions of patients, doctors, and nutritionists across Europe has called on EU leaders to urgently reform food and agriculture policies to prioritize health and sustainability. The groups, including the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), the European Stroke Organisation (ESO), and the Dutch organization Caring Doctors, have sent an open letter to European Commission leaders, urging them to place a stronger focus on preventative measures that promote healthier diets.
The health groups have raised concerns about the lack of health representation in current EU policy discussions surrounding food and agriculture, particularly highlighting their exclusion from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture held last summer. With the opening of applications for the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) last week, the groups are urging the Commission to prove its commitment to inclusivity by ensuring their participation in upcoming discussions.
Key Policy Recommendations
The organizations are advocating for several key reforms aimed at improving the nutritional quality of food and promoting sustainable diets across the EU:
Mandatory food reformulation policies to improve the health profile of processed foods, with a focus on reducing added sugars, salt, saturated fats, and calories, as well as increasing the use of healthier ingredients like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Establishment of the European Board on Agri-Food (EBAF), ensuring that health experts are included in decision-making processes.
Updated EU rules on public procurement to prioritize healthy, sustainable foods, including revisions to the EU school food scheme.
The creation of a framework for National Food-Based Dietary Guidelines that incorporate the latest scientific findings on nutrition and sustainability.
An EU Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods, including initiatives to boost both production and consumption of plant-based options by 2026.
Fiscal incentives, such as VAT reductions on healthier products, and mandatory policies to restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
Improved EU-wide food labeling regulations, including mandatory Nutri-Score labeling, to provide consumers with clear and transparent nutritional information.
Health Experts Speak Out
Dr. Milka Sokolovic, Director General of EPHA, emphasized the urgency of involving health organizations in policy debates. “From a public health perspective, our food system is a ticking time bomb. Unhealthy diets are already putting immense strain on public health, and the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming is accelerating antimicrobial resistance and contributing to future pandemic risks,” she said.
Sokolovic stressed that failing to prioritize preventative measures could exacerbate Europe’s ongoing health crisis, calling for systemic changes to address diet-related diseases. Health groups also pointed to the significant financial burden of non-communicable diseases, which account for a large portion of the EU’s annual healthcare budget of around €700 billion.
A Call for Action
Dr. Patrick Deckers, Chair of Caring Doctors, highlighted the growing momentum for preventive health reforms in the Netherlands. “Medical professionals and organizations are increasingly united for better food policies. This EU-wide initiative is a crucial opportunity to reshape our food system into a healthier, more sustainable one. But the voice of the health sector must be heard,” he said.
The health groups argue that investing in preventive measures, such as policies on ready-made meals and healthier food environments, would benefit individuals, economies, and the planet. They are calling on EU institutions to take decisive action and implement these reforms to improve public health and reduce the burden of diet-related diseases.
