The European Commission runs the EU Platform on Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity. The aim of the platform is to bring together industry associations, consumer groups, health Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and political leaders, to encourage voluntary action on diet and physical activity. The initiative is seen by the European Commission as a key element in an EU Strategy to tackle the rise in obesity.

Evaluation of the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health

The European-level umbrella organisations, ranging from the food industry, health organisations and other civil society NGOs, who are members of the European Commission's Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health have agreed to step up action to tackle the growing problem of overweight and obesity related health problems. The members committed to boosting activities that contribute to the objectives of the Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues by 2013.

For further information:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/nutrition_physical_activity/platform/index_en.htm.

Health Enhancing Physical Activity Network Logo

European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity

The European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity is a collaborative project which works for better health through physical activity among all people in the WHO European Region. It strengthens and supports efforts to increase participation and improve the conditions for healthy lifestyles.

EPODE European Network
The aim of this network is to help to facilitate the implementation of community-based initiatives using the EPODE methodology in other European countries.

The EPODE approach has 4 pillars:
• The importance of political awareness, willingness and involvement
• Good practices for the design, delivery and especially evaluation of EPODE-similar community based interventions
• The interest of network expertise and social marketing approaches
• The legal and ethical framework of public/private partnerships.

The EPODE European Network (EEN) is a European project running from 2008 to 2011 with the support of the European Commission DG Health and Consumers.

EURRECA - EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned

Harmonising nutrient recommendations across Europe with special focus on vulnerable groups and consumer understanding.

The overall objective of EURRECA is to overcome fragmentation and create a new sustainable collaborative network to develop quality assured harmonised nutrient recommendations across Europe. It will, in particular, identify and address micronutrients of concern in vulnerable population groups. This will improve the basis for the development of country-specific food based dietary guidelines that are sensitive to diversity across the EU.

The network will include at least 35 organisations in 17 European countries, including many ‘new’ EU member States. It comprises academics, SMEs and consumer organisations who will be expertly coordinated into a structured framework.

EURRECA will support, complement and extend the work of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Technology Platform Food for Life.

For more information on EURRECA go to www.eurreca.org.

On request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority has provided guidance on intakes of fats, carbohydrates, fibre and water considering the new evidence. These dietary reference values establish optimum intakes of nutrients in a balanced diet which when part of an overall healthy lifestyle, contribute to good health. Those for energy, protein, vitamins and minerals are being developed.

Key Organisations in European Nutrition

Within Europe and internationally, several official organisations have a remit which includes nutrition. These organisations publish policy documents, develop strategies, monitor food intake or health, and in some cases implement regulations.

European Commission (EC)

Within the EC, nutrition is shared between three policy directorates: Agriculture and Rural Development, Health and Consumers and Environment, with overlap between remits. Underpinning this work is a substantial research programme co-ordinated under various frameworks by the Directorate General (DG) Research.
Within DG Agriculture and Rural Development, topics include food quality, food supply and plant and animal health. Work undertaken includes initiatives to supply dairy products and fruit and vegetables to targeted schools, educational and awareness-raising schemes, and programmes to distribute food to disadvantaged communities within the European Union (EU). The EC is the primary source of food regulations across the EU, with Member States taking the role of enforcers rather than law makers. Topics include nutrition claims and health claims.

The DG Health and Consumers also promotes policies to help Member States address lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

EFSA was set up in 2002 by the EC as an independent authority, in response to a series of food scares, to ensure a high level of consumer protection and help to strengthen confidence in the EU food supply. The remit of the organisation covers the safety of human food and animal feed, nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health.
EFSA complements the regulatory role of the EC, and the policing role of Member States, by providing independent risk assessment and communication on food safety and nutrition matters.

Last updated: 29/10/2012