Bijdrage mili­eu­com­missie tijdens een gedach­te­wis­seling met de commissie over voedings­waar­de­ver­melding op de voorzijde van verpak­kingen en de evaluatie van de regel­geving inzake voeding-en-gezond­heids­claims

Anja Hazekamp (PvdD): Thank you Chair.

In supermarket isles all over Europe, colourful packages are shouting at us, trying to get our attention. Unfortunately, we know that 70% of the products in the supermarkets are ultra-processed foodstuffs, containing way too much sugar, salt and fats. This is leading to an unprecedented health crisis. The obesity figures, especially among young children, are indeed very worrisome.

Something needs to change in the supermarket, and front of pack nutrition labelling is an important first step that we need to take. We need a clear harmonized or uniform science- based and mandatory system to inform consumers. And we need it sooner rather than later. I am very disappointed by the long timeline the Commission is sketching for this in the Farm2Fork Strategy.

We should not continue for 2 more years, telling our kids that eating lolly’s is as healthy as eating fruits. They are not good for you. Now companies can get away with claiming health benefits on candies, sugary breakfast cereals and energy drinks. This is unacceptable. We need to put this to an end, and we need to do it now.

I would like to hear from the Commission why this is taking so long, especially since these nutrient profiles are already more than 10 years late. That is 10 years of health gains lost. Please let us know what you will do to speed up this process.

Thank you.