We Contribute to the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Consultation

Last month, Dr Roberta Alessandrini, Director of PAN’s Dietary Guidelines Initiative, contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on the forthcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, offering expert input on the role of nutrition in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Photo by Lesly Juarez / Unsplash

The Commission’s Call for Evidence invited citizens, NGOs, healthcare providers, researchers, and other interested parties to share insights on the challenges to be addressed, proposed actions, and potential impact. PAN was among the NGOs that provided input, calling for stronger, evidence-based nutrition measures to be integrated into the final plan.

“Nutrition is a powerful, cost-effective tool to prevent cardiovascular disease,” Dr Alessandrini emphasised in her submission. “Poor diets account for a third of years lost to early death and disability from CVD. Low intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, coupled with excessive salt and saturated fat consumption, directly increases heart disease and stroke risk.”

Her recommendations highlight the urgent need for policy measures that make healthy, plant-forward diets accessible, affordable, and supported across public institutions. The submission notes that many schools and hospitals still prioritise cost and convenience over health, with menus dominated by processed meats high in salt and saturated fat, ingredients strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

This consultation submission complements our earlier contribution to the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, a joint letter to the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety co-signed with leading organisations advocating for stronger action on nutrition and prevention. Together, these efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based nutrition within EU health policy.

To learn more about PAN’s evidence-based recommendations and how the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan can help build healthier food environments across Europe, visit the European Commission’s website here.