EU Safe Hearts Plan is a Positive Step Forward But Stronger Nutrition Measures Are Needed

December 16, 2025

Brussels, Belgium — The EU Safe Hearts Plan is a positive step forward in Europe’s efforts to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, strengthening the focus on prevention and recognising the essential role of nutrition. The plan highlights persistent challenges such as low fruit and vegetable consumption and includes measures to support school schemes and nutrition education – important foundations for improving long-term health outcomes.

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recognises these developments as encouraging, but stresses that Europe now needs to build on this foundation with policies that make healthy diets easier to adopt in daily life.

“The Safe Hearts Plan moves Europe in the right direction, and we welcome its recognition of nutrition and healthy eating as central to prevention,” says Mollie Van Lieu, IFPA Vice President for Health & Nutrition. “By acknowledging low fruit and vegetable consumption and strengthening school-based programmes, the plan provides a valuable starting point for change.”

To fully realise the plan’s ambition, IFPA calls for stronger measures that help citizens make healthier choices every day. This includes clear front-of-pack labelling to provide consistent nutritional information and supportive financial tools that make it easier for families to choose nutritious foods. These enabling policies complement existing efforts to reduce unhealthy diets and are backed by strong evidence of their effectiveness.

“Nutrition remains one of the most effective levers for reducing cardiovascular disease,” Mollie adds. “By strengthening policies that improve access, affordability and informed choices, the EU can ensure this plan delivers meaningful, long-term improvements to public health.”

IFPA stands ready to work with EU institutions, Member States and civil society partners to help translate the Safe Hearts Plan into practical measures that increase fruit and vegetable consumption and support healthier lives across Europe.

Preventing Cardiovascular Disease Starts With Nutrition: During the plan's development, IFPA engaged with EU policymakers to underscore the role of fruits and vegetables in preventing heart disease and lowering long-term healthcare costs. Download the CVD factsheet.

EU Safe Hearts Plan is a Positive Step Forward But Stronger Nutrition Measures Are Needed

Additional Press