EPP Group against restricting dietary choices for diabetics

EPP Group objects to European Commission proposal to ban sweeteners in fine bakery

Today, the EPP Group in the European Parliament's Environment Committee voted against the Commission's proposal intended to remove sweeteners such as saccharin or aspartam from the food we consume in cakes, biscuits and pastries alike.

"We cannot agree to anything that would ban these products - which many people in need of a low-sugar diet, such as diabetics, depend on - from the market without a transitional period required for finding alternative solutions", said Francoise Grossetête MEP, the Group's negotiator on the dossier.

One of the strongest points behind Grossetête’s objection indicates that there is a growing demand on the market for dietary products. Research shows how the number of people affected by chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity is growing. On average, obesity reaches as much as 16% of the adult population in EU Member States, whereas diabetes affects at least 7% of population.

"Everyone should be able to enjoy a diet-safe version of a Sachertorte, Macaroons or Pastel de Nata", added Grossetête.

By vetoing the Commission’s proposal, the EPP Group made the first step, while "other political groups should follow, review their backing of the proposal and support our appeal", concluded Grossetête.

The 'sweeteners issue', now brought back to the Environment Committee, is part of the bigger picture concerning the Directive which regulates food intended for particular nutritional uses. This Directive was part of the Union’s legislation between 2009 and 2016 before being repealed in the name of the ‘better regulation’ agenda. As a regulatory consequence of the disappearance of this specific category of foodstuffs, the additives allowed in their recipes are now themselves being threatened.