The EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health
Weight-related health issues are some of the EU’s most serious health threats in the 21st century, affecting tens of millions of people. There is a broad consensus that the causes of obesity and its related diseases are multifaceted (including genetic predisposition, diet, sedentary lifestyles and socio-economic factors). Global public health experts agree that this problem demands a multifaceted solution with contributions from all stakeholders. Europe’s food and drink industry is committed to being part of this solution.
Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to tackle these concerns – we need a range of actions from all stakeholders, working together in order to achieve the type of systemic change necessary to have a positive impact on curbing obesity across Europe.
The EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAH) brings together 33 industry associations, consumer groups, health NGOs and political leaders to take voluntary action to tackle the complex issues overweight and obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases head on, particularly among children.
Launched on 15 March 2005 by European Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, the purpose of the Platform is to create a forum for actors at the European level who can commit their membership to engage in concrete actions designed to contain or reverse current trends.
Fast and effective, and without unduly restricting innovation and competitiveness, the Platform is a model for ‘better regulation’. It aims to address a multifactorial issue through a variety of actions:
- Products and choice
- Consumer information
- Advertising and commercial communications
- Public education
- Research
- Public-private partnerships
The Platform has provided the impetus for action among stakeholders concerned – and none more so than Europe’s food and drink industry. CIAA’s involvement in the EU Platform has been of crucial importance, with manufacturers accounting for over 40% of commitments made under this process. As its name makes clear, the Platform is about Action and has been an impetus for progress in many areas.
CIAA is committed to being part of the solution, as the numerous activities we have undertaken demonstrate. For years, we have been responding to changing consumer demands with increased choice, lighter products and smaller portion sizes, functional foods and improved product labelling. We have also been involved in areas that are less obvious: extensive research; public education; promotion of healthy lifestyles; partnerships with doctors, teachers, schools, public health officials and non-governmental organisations; and voluntary restrictions on advertising and marketing to children.
