Commission opposition to climate-smart dietary recommendations
13.9.2011
Question for written answer E-008421/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Lena Ek (ALDE)
The foods we eat have an impact on climate emissions. Consumers very much want to know what foods are best for the environment.
It is therefore a slap in the face for climate-aware consumers that the Commission has opposed the Swedish National Food Administration's proposals for climate-smart dietary recommendations.
Cross-border trade is a prerequisite for a growing economy and for continued European prosperity. The trend towards climate nationalism and protectionism is a dangerous development which the Commission should rightly work to check.
However, of course, it is possible to produce climate-smart dietary recommendations which reconcile environmental concerns and cross-border trade. For instance, consumers can vary their purchases on a seasonal basis. Similarly, furthermore, informed consumers are a prerequisite for a properly functioning internal market.
I therefore put the following questions to the Commission:
- 1.Is it right for European food authorities to produce pro-environment dietary recommendations?
- 2.How, in the Commission’s opinion, should climate-smart dietary recommendations be formulated so that they are both environment-friendly and in line with internal-market legislation?
- 3.How does the Commission intend to support the work of the Swedish National Food Administration in producing climate-smart dietary recommendations?
- 4.How, in the Commission’s opinion, is the decision to oppose the Swedish climate-smart dietary recommendations compatible with the EU’s ambitions of working towards a better climate?
OJ C 154 E, 31/05/2012