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Parliamentary question - E-011642/2013Parliamentary question
E-011642/2013

Measures aimed at reducing salt consumption

Question for written answer E-011642-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE)

According to a communication published on 26 September 2013 on the website of the Commission’s Directorate-General Health and Consumers, daily salt consumption in European states varies between 8 g and 12 g a day, a figure far exceeding the 5 g daily limit recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Medical research conducted in this area has highlighted that high, long-term consumption of salt increases the risk of heart attacks or other heart disorders, as well as of strokes and stomach cancer, and can cause chronic kidney disorders.

In its conclusions of 8 June 2010 on ‘Action to reduce population salt intake for better health’, the Council called on the Commission to continue its systematic approach to tackling high salt consumption at European level by implementing the EU framework on salt reduction and to regularly identify with Member States the lowest salt levels currently being achieved at EU level in the different food categories and sub-categories.

In view of the above, can the Commission tell us what actions it has taken in this area in recent months and what measures it intends to take in the near future?

OJ C 218, 10/07/2014