EU: mangez vos legumes!

Euro-sceptics cite the ban of odd-shaped fruit as evidence that the EU is a bureaucratic Gargantua determined to ruin the lives of its citizens. Perhaps Brussels had an agenda for its perfectly-formed bananas after all: it is aiming to fill school vending machines with fruit and vegetables rather than sugary snacks in a bid to encourage healthy eating habits in schoolchildren.  

A European Commission document due to be published on Tuesday recommends the removal of ‘competing foods’ in the school environment. EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel will reportedly earmark 90 million euros per year in funding for the EU-wide scheme.  If EU agriculture ministers agree, Fischer Boel's funding scheme would enter into effect in the 2009/2010 school year.

Obesity is now considered one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. It is increasingly evident that a ‘Mediterranean’ diet rich in fruit and vegetables, at least 400 grams daily, is a key player in obesity prevention and weight management. Yet consumption reports indicate that fruit and vegetable intake for all age groups remains well below the recommended minimum intake. Only eight of the EU's 27 countries reach that minimum standard.  Reuters reports that Greece has by far the highest daily intake of fruit and vegetables, then Portugal, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Denmark; France and the Netherlands just about reach 400 grams. The worst country is Slovakia with about 200 grams in daily consumption.

It is more than just a question of diet; stuffing vending machines full of nutritious food may also play an important role by teaching children how to make healthier choices outside of school, such as limiting portion sizes, favouring healthy snacks, and playing physical games instead of video games.