Wholesome Whole Grains: How to Encourage Uptake in the Eu

WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS: HOW TO ENCOURAGE UPTAKE IN THE EU

EVENT REPORT | NOV. - DEC. 2020 https://eurac.tv/9R_F

With the support of WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS: HOW TO ENCOURAGE UPTAKE IN THE EU

EVENT REPORT This year has served as a stark reminder of the need for https://eurac.tv/9R_F a resilient, sustainable, and healthy food system.

As many consumers turn to healthier food options in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers continue to tackle the eternal question of how to achieve the “triple challenge” of simultaneously pro- viding a secure supply of nutritious food while also protecting the livelihoods of those in the food chain and the environment.

Evidence suggests that whole-grain foods can go some way to contributing to this goal, with studies showing that they are a win-win for both health and the environment.

In this Event Report, EURACTIV explores the potential of whole-grains for meeting the current challenges fac- ing our food system, and how best the EU can capital- ise on this potential. Contents

Wholegrains slash risk of death by up to 24%, says UN food branch 2 Food systems have much to gain from whole grains, 6 says expert The unsung superhero – whole grain 8 4 EVENT REPORT | WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS | EURACTIV Wholegrains slash risk of death by up to 24%, says UN food branch

By Natasha Foote | EURACTIV.com

Despite strong evidence pointing to the health benefits of whole-grains, their uptake across the EU remains low. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

egular consumption of whole- consuming 50 grams of whole grains case for making whole grains part grains significantly reduces the per day is associated with a “19 to of a sustainable healthy diet in line Rrisk of death, a recent paper by 24% reduction in all-cause mortality with the sustainable development the food branch of the United Nations amongst adults”. goal to put an end to all forms of has found, with stakeholders now malnutrition,” Fracassi pointed out. calling for more action to promote More importantly, she added, whole-grains as part of a healthy diet. across the 21 different regions included Wholegrains are any type of grain in the study, low whole-grain intake that has not been refined, and instead Speaking at a recent event marking was identified as the “greatest risk involves the entire kernel of the International Whole-grain Day, factor for death and loss of disability- grain. These types of grains are more Patrizia Fracassi, senior nutrition and adjusted life years, with intakes less nutrient-dense than refined grains food systems officer at the Food and than 50 grams risking 3 million deaths and offer a host of environmental and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the and $82 million worldwide.” health benefits, panellists said. UN, said their recent joint paper on sustainable healthy diets suggests that “This evidence supports the Despite strong evidence pointing

Continued on Page 5 EVENT REPORT | WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS | EURACTIV 5

Continued from Page 4

to the health benefits of whole- consumption has been seen across the Nutriscore, are not necessarily grains, their uptake across the EU the board in the country. adapted to whole-grains. remains low. “What we see in the European “A lot of these algorithms are The EU’s flagship food policy, the region is that there are large based on nutrients like fibre, protein, Farm to Fork strategy, highlights inequalities. So what happens when sugar, fat, and you can’t necessarily that that while consumption of red you focus on improving the intake just run a slice of bread through a meat, sugars, salt and fats continues of wholegrain, you need to be aware lab test and see how many grams of to exceed recommendations, that you don’t widen the gap of social whole grains are in it,” Kelly Toups, consumption of whole-grain cereals inequality in health,” Laub Hansen director of Oldways Whole Grains is “insufficient”. warned. Council, pointed out.

However, the Danish approach Instead, she advocated a “whole LEARNING LESSONS has seen the lowest quartile of whole- grain stamp” packaging symbol FROM SUCCESS STORIES grain consumers in the population which denotes the grams of whole either double or more than double grains in the product. One of the major barriers to their intake. increase uptake in the EU is lack of This can be important for a clear definition, said Gitte Laub “So actually, we are reducing consumers who are looking to Hansen, executive project consultant the gap between the very healthy- incrementally increase their whole- at the Danish Cancer Society and eating part of the population and grain uptake, she said. WholeEUGrain, a European project the less-healthy eating part of the focusing on the promotion of whole- population,” she pointed out. “We find that a lot of our grains. consumers have to slowly work their Work is currently underway way up to more and more whole According to the EU science to investigate how best to transfer grain over time,” she said, adding hub, whole-grain foods are defined the lessons from Denmark to other that the goal was to make sure there’s differently across the EU and there European countries, which includes “something out there for everyone, is no legislation regarding their the development of a common no matter where they are on their labelling at the EU level. European guideline in 2022. whole-grain journey”.

However, places like Denmark LABELLING ‘KEY’ FOR have seen an increase in the intake CONSUMERS AND of whole grains thanks to the INDUSTRY establishment of clear guidelines for what constitutes a whole-grain Labelling also played a key role in product, coupled with a strong the success of the Danish campaign. promotional campaign. “We know that the logo plays a key As such, whole grain role here. It is key for the consumers consumption has reached the target to identify the whole grain, but it goal of 75 grams per 10 megajoules also is an incentive for reformulation per day in the majority of people. and developing new products for industry,” Laub Hansen added. BRIDGING THE HEALTH GAP This is a challenge as many of the proposed food labelling schemes, Moreover, this increase in such as the current EU front runner, 6 EVENT REPORT | WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS | EURACTIV

Food systems have much to gain from whole grains, says expert

By Natasha Foote | EURACTIV.com

shutterstock_129758090 [SHUTTERSTOCK]

hole grains are a staple science, told EURACTIV. livelihoods and the environmental part of our diet but they sustainability of the sector. Wcan also play a key role She added that a diet where the in addressing our most pressing cereal portion is based on whole grains Wholegrains are any type of grain environmental challenges, including can therefore “contribute not only to that has not been refined, and instead transitioning to a less meat intensive personal health but also to global and involves the entire kernel of the grain. diet, according to a cereals expert. planetary health as it can improve As they are more nutrient-dense than several problems at once.” refined grains, their health benefits “Studies show that whole grain are becoming increasingly well foods save water, provide more food In this way, whole grains go some recognised. and less waste, and support better land way to tackling the elusive “triple use and healthy soil,” Michaela Pichler, challenge” of simultaneously ensuring But whole grains also play a key secretary general of the international a nutritious supply of food while part in improving the sustainability of association for cereal technology and also protecting agrifood workers’ the agrifood sector, Pichler stressed.

Continued on Page 7 EVENT REPORT | WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS | EURACTIV 7

Continued from Page 6

MORE THAN A GRAIN OF “Fibre-rich cereals are a major SENSE part of plant-based diets as a whole but also cereal derivatives such as Grains and other plant foods are the wheat protein gluten can be also far less resource-intensive to used for seitan production which is produce than animal foods like dairy, known to be used as a plant-based eggs and meat, Pichler pointed out. meat replacement,” she pointed out, adding that more work must be done “In fact, whole grains require to make consumers are made more signiﬁcantly less water than just aware of the multiple benefits of about any other food we consume cereals. – which is a big deal when it comes to climate-change resilience and CRISIS RESILIENCE sustainability,” she said. The coronavirus pandemic has As the EU enters its third year of demonstrated the importance of consecutive drought, amid mounting sustainable and easily accessible concerns over the effects of climate basic commodities, and this year has change, water use represents a key served as a stark reminder of how challenge for the resilience of EU important “resilient, sustainable, food systems. productive, and healthy food systems” are in our lives, Pichler A 2012 study found that it takes pointed out. only 0.51 litres of water to produce one calorie of grain, while the “While fruits and vegetables equivalent single calorie of beef add necessary nutrients and variety requires 10.19 litres of water. to our diets, it’s grains that have traditionally been the powerhouses “It’s easy to understand why of our sustenance,” she said. diets that emphasise a shift toward Compared to other crops, she added, more meat and less grain place an grains are more resilient to variable incredible strain and burden on our weather conditions and, once environmental resources – this also harvested, can be stored for longer having an effect on global greenhouse and be more easily transported from gas emission from cattle,” she said. farm to consumer.

NO PAIN, ALL GRAIN “Basic and versatile foods with a long shelf life are key in crisis Being energy-dense and less situations as they are not only expensive to grow than many fruits nutrient dense but also contribute to and vegetables, whole grains are also satiety,” she stressed. an economical choice for a staple ingredient, Pichler said.

They can play a key role in the transition to less meat intensive diets, she added. 8 EVENT REPORT | WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS | EURACTIV

PROMOTED CONTENT

DISCLAIMER: All opinions in this column reflect the views of the author(s), not of EURACTIV Media network. The unsung superhero – whole grain

Whole Grain Initiative

[Whole Grain Initiative]

very year, 11 million people (DALYs). It’s clear what we don’t eat at Cereal Partners Worldwide – makers across the globe die due to poor has a greater impact on our health of Nestlé Breakfast Cereals – to hear Ediet. A recent research review than what we do. how simple changes to diet can make in the Lancet suggests that nutrition a world of difference to our health. is a bigger health risk than smoking So, what can be done to improve or high blood pressure. our daily diets? It may not be just a Ece, as a dietician, what’s one thing question of cutting out some nutrients people could do to improve their diet? According to a recent Global such as sugar, sodium, saturated Burden of Diseases report, low whole fat, etc., but rather concentrating on The easiest way to improve your grain intake is highlighted as one eating more nutritious foods. diet is to really consider what choices of the top three leading dietary risk you’re making. You need to eat a wide factors responsible for a significant We caught up with Ece Nevra variety of foods to make sure your number of avoidable deaths and Durukan from the Global Nutrition, body is receiving all the nutrients it losses on disability adjusted life years Regulatory and Scientific Affairs team needs. Make sure you’re eating lots of

Continued on Page 9 EVENT REPORT | WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS | EURACTIV 9

Continued from Page 8

fruit and vegetables, choosing whole labelling practices. As a result, whole increasing whole grain consumption grain foods, and limiting the amount grain consumption increased from across the world. The Initiative gathers of public health sensitive nutrients. 32g a day to 82g a day. Fifty-three together evidence and best practice to This could be as simple as swapping percent of those surveyed after the help governments and policymakers white toast in the morning for whole campaign said they actively looked for understand the power of whole grain grain bread or wholegrain breakfast whole grain while shopping. Recent and the benefits it can bring to their cereal with fruit. Governments figures show Denmark still has one populations. We want to work with recommend we each eat around 50g of of the highest levels of whole grain governments and help them develop whole grain a day but estimates show consumption in the world. policies around whole grain, which, most people eat less than a quarter ultimately, will have a positive impact of that. Children, in particular, aren’t in reducing non-communicable eating enough whole grain. This is a What role does Cereal Partners diseases and improve the health status worry, as it’s important we teach our Worldwide (CPW) have in helping of their citizens. children healthy eating habits and people eat more whole grain? offer nutritious meals from an early age. As a leading breakfast On the 19th November, the Whole manufacturer, we’re a major Grain Initiative will be celebrating If we each increase how much contributor to people’s wellbeing – International Wholegrain Day with a whole grain we eat, it could result something we take very seriously. dedicated webinar. What’s the theme in a significant reduction of non- We’ve built our company around of the webinar? communicable diseases such as heart making breakfast better and we’ve disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancers set ourselves some tough targets in The webinar will bring together by up to nearly 35%. There are few order to do this. Our Promises look leading experts on whole grain foods that can deliver such a diverse at how we make our products, our (including the Food and Agriculture benefit if we eat them regularly as part impact on the environment, and Organisation of the United Nations) of a balanced diet. how we can build the communities to discuss how whole grain can around us. Over the last 15 years, we’ve help build healthy, sustainable, and evolved and adjusted our recipes to resilient food systems. Whole grain’s Why aren’t people eating enough whole increase the amount of whole grain role in a sustainable environment is grain? What can be done about it? in our cereals. We’re very proud of an interesting one. Based on the Eat- the fact that more than 80% of all Lancet report, the global average of There are a number of reasons. In our products have whole grain as its whole grain intake is far from what is 2017, we conducted a survey of over number one ingredient – a figure that recommended in a planetary health 16,000 people to try and understand increases to more than 99% if you look diet. the problem. We found out that at our children and teen ready to eat awareness around whole grain breakfast cereals. This is something Recent research from the World was incredibly low. People didn’t we’re continuing to work on. Wildlife Fund also suggests that understand what whole grain was moving to a “planetary diet” (a or where they could find it. In fact, 1 CPW is a very prominent supporter of balanced diet with lots of whole grains, in 10 people thought they could find the Whole Grain Initiative. What is it? fruit and vegetables, and less sugar, whole grain in bananas! One way of Why do you support them? oils, fats and meat) can reduce wildlife overcoming this barrier is through loss by up to 46%, halt deforestation, clearer communication around the and reduce food agriculture-based benefits of whole grain and where We know that we can’t hope to greenhouse gas emissions by at it can be found. A public-private change things on our own. The Whole least 30%. The webinar will act as partnership whole grain campaign Grain Initiative brings together an incubator – gathering together run in Denmark concentrated on experts from across the private and best practice from public-private education and new whole grain public sector with a joint mission of partnerships around the world – and

Continued on Page 11 10 EVENT REPORT | WHOLESOME WHOLE GRAINS | EURACTIV

Continued from Page 9

Current Diet vs Planetary Health Diet. (The Eat-Lancet Report)

help the industry develop new ideas Secondly, we know front of pack Food Systems” on November 19th 2020, on how to increase whole grain labels work – they’re an effective way of search for Whole Grain Initiative. All the consumption. helping consumers identify healthier information is available on their website. foods. Unfortunately, whole grain is What policies can we put in place to rarely included in the algorithms. increase whole grain consumption? We’d like to see labels which recognise the importance of whole grain as an While there are no easy-wins or important ingredient in a healthy diet quick solutions, there are a couple – one that has benefits beyond fibre. of things I think governments can look at it in order to help their Finally, I would call on citizens understand the power of governments to consider whole grain and encourage them to comprehensive education and eat more. Firstly, there needs to be marketing campaigns on the benefits better consistency around dietary of whole grain. We know people don’t guidelines with more of an emphasis eat whole grain because they don’t on whole grains. Worldwide, more know what it is – it’s time to change than 100 countries have developed, that! Let’s make everyone know how or are currently developing, food- much of a superhero whole grain is. based dietary guidelines. The recommendations vary significantly For more information on the Whole and that means consumers find it Grain Initiative’s webinar “Building hard to translate into their daily diet. Healthy, Sustainable, and Resilient THE DUTCH BID FOR EMA

From London to... the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area

For information on EURACTIV Event Reports...

Natasha FOOTE Reporter, Agriculture & Health [email protected] www.netherlandsforema.eu tel. +33 76 96 951 36