Choices at the Nutrition and Lifestyle Conference
July 8th, 2013
On 26 - 27 June, Choices International Foundation sponsored the 7th Annual European Nutrition and Lifestyle Conference in Brussels. During this event, approximately 80 senior policymakers and other stakeholders joined debates on EU policy related to interventions for preventing obesity and the promotion of healthier lifestyles for European citizens.
Choices International Foundation participated in one of the six panel discussions and provided a stand in the lobby. Also, the foundation sponsored the lunch on both conference days, stimulating participants to make the easy, healthy choice.
Léon Jansen, Secretary of the International and Dutch Scientific Committee, represented Choices during the panel discussion ‘Beyond labelling: empowering and informing consumers to make better choices’. The panel was formed by Léon Jansen (Choices), Cristophe Didion (DG Health & Consumers, EC), MEP Renate Sommer, Barbara Gallani (Food and Drink Federation) and Bruce Neal (George Institute for Public Health).
Renate Sommer pointed out the need for labels that are ‘easy to understand, legible and helpful for average consumers’ and that a label should be approved by the European Union. She also emphasized the necessity of scientific evidence to support labelling systems.
Léon Jansen explained the scientific basis of Choices and demonstrated the positive impact of the logo on product reformulation and nutrient intake. He stressed the importance of communicating to consumers, as well as the need to move beyond labelling. Dr. Jansen concluded that ‘a front-of-pack logo is not enough to fight NCDs and solve the obesity problem, but it is an important step forward’. He added that ‘we should have active campaigns on healthy foods in schools, canteens and other public spaces. Information on packaging is just not enough.’
Bruce Neal explained the development of the FoodSwitch app and its great use in making better food choices for consumers. The app offers a database of 40.000 products and has been downloaded 350.000 times. Upon scanning the barcode, the users can immediately read easy to understand nutritional information.
Other panel discussions during the two-day conference addressed claims regulation, child marketing and communication on healthy lifestyles.