European Charter on obesity: Ministers back regulation on marketing of unhealthy food to children and improved nutrition labelling 

 Health and consumer NGOs today welcomed the signing of a World Health Organization European Charter on counteracting obesity by European Ministers today in Istanbul.   The Charter pays special attention to vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents, and agrees that European governments shall adopt regulations to substantially reduce the extent and impact of commercial promotion of energy-dense foods and beverages to children. 

In addition, it recognizes the importance of an international code on marketing to children, due to the robust evidence  that shows clear links between television advertising and other forms of marketing and eating behaviours.   The Charter also calls for adequate nutrition labelling. This must be translated into the provision of mandatory nutrition labeling and harmonization of front of pack simplified labeling throughout the European region. 

The Charter represents political commitment by European ministers to concrete actions to tackle the escalating rates of obesity. The health problems caused by excess weight lead to a wide range of debilitating and life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.  Sue Davies, from Consumer International said “the Charter marks a fundamental turning point. Government health ministers across Europe have committed to a powerful agenda of essential actions needed to counteract obesity. These should now be implemented urgently by national governments and also by the European Union, which should adopt the spirit of the Charter.”  

The Charter sets the target that visible progress reducing obesity rates in children should be visible in 4 to 5 years. WHO has forecast that one in two children in Europe could be obese by 2010.  “European Member States have demonstrated their political commitment to combating obesity. The most important next step is that governments should now begin to implement the Charters goals with effective action plans mobilizing all sectors of society. NGOs working at local, regional, national, European and international level will be monitoring closely the development of obesity-proof public policies.” Neville Rigby, Director of Policy and Public Affairs of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, which launched a new NGO network in Istanbul, the European Childhood Obesity Prevention Alliance.