European push for healthier food

At last, a co-ordinated approach. And a potentially sensible one.

In June, the European Union asked governments for national plans to make food healthier.

Progress reports are to be made every two years. Benchmarks, best practice and results are to be shared.

“For people’s diet to improve, the healthy choice should be the easy choice.” The policy seeks public health driven education, objective nutrition information and attention to physical as well as social environments. It calls for reducing levels of salt, saturated fat, added sugars and calories along with smaller portion sizes. Reformulation should be a gradual process. Emphasis should be paid to food for infants and children.

Consumer and industry groups have given their backing.

Signs of hope.