21 organisations call on the European Commission to take urgent action to create healthier food environments

While we welcome the Commission's study on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) announced as part of the EU Safe Hearts Plan, policymakers should not wait for its conclusions before acting on what we already know: unhealthy diets are driving obesity, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease across the EU. Healthy foods remain less accessible and less affordable, while unhealthy foods (ultra-processed and high in fat, sugar and salt) are heavily marketed, promoted and consumed.

That's why we are calling for:

- Stronger protections for children from unhealthy food marketing

- Healthier school food environments and meals

- Mandatory front-of-pack labelling

- Measures to improve access to affordable, healthy foods - especially for lower-income groupsc

The UPFs study can help strengthen the science base for future action but should not delay it. Importantly, it must be:

- Independent and science-led

- Comprehensive in scope

- Focused on policy solutions

- Transparent and accountable