Brussels, 07/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 December, the Council of Ministers adopted conclusions on health problems related to diet, weight problems and obesity. It calls on the Member States to promote actions to change the way food is made, to reduce its salt, saturated fat, fatty acids and sugar content, as well as its calorific value, given the role that these elements play in the development of chronic illnesses, weight problems and obesity. It also calls on the Member States to play an active role in drawing up awareness campaigns on alcohol, adapted to target each age group and designed to make the citizens aware of the calorie content of alcohol products, given the role which the harmful and dangerous consumption of alcohol, on its own or in conjunction with poor eating habits and a lack of exercise, can play in the development of chronic diseases. The European Commission is called upon to present the proposals it has in the pipeline, aiming to: - improve food labelling, which would give consumers clear, coherent and substantial information, allowing them to adopt healthier habits; - promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables, with co-funding from the EU as part of the reform of the common market organisation. The Commission must also support the efforts made by the Member States to grant Community funds to the development of infrastructure which aims to encourage physical activity.
The Council has also adopted conclusions on the EU strategy for health (2008-2013). It favourably welcomes the strategic approach laid down by the Commission in its White Paper. (O.J.)