Motivating programmes improve public health the most

Budapest was the host of CAOBISCO’s (association of chocolate, biscuit and confectionery industries of the European Union) annual meeting and the following open roundtable discussion for members of the trade. The event was held in Hotel Mariott on 24 June, where 50 representatives of 16 countries convened to discuss issues such as the planned Hungarian ‘hamburger law’ (participants expressed their indignation by wording an e-mail which was sent to PM Viktor Orbán) or the common agricultural policy, in connection with which minister of state Dr Endre Kardeván emphasised that the protection of consumers was the main priority of both the EU and its member states. As for the special sugar situation in Hungary, higher quotas and self-sustainment could be the solution, negotiations have already started but no result can be expected before 2013. The compulsory marking of nutritional value on food products was also touched upon. CAOBISCO president Didier Focking mentioned how important it is to support young farmers. As regards the sugar-salt tax, he made it clear that the sweets industry alone cannot be blamed for the problems of overweight and obesity, stating that sweets have their place in a healthy diet. Promoting a healthy lifestyle and regular physical exercise is part of the programme of CAOBISCO’s member organisations. Sándor Sánta, president of the Association of Hungarian Confectionery Manufacturers told that instead of the planned hamburger tax the association favours a long-term initiative that protects the health of consumers but also takes into consideration the interests of Hungarian agriculture, industry and retail.