EDA calls for school milk revamp

The European Dairy Association (EDA) contributed to the consultation from the Commission on the European School Milk Scheme (SMS) and School Fruit Scheme. EDA highlighted the importance of education in positively influencing young people’s eating habits and asked the commission to support promotional measures to increase the impact of the scheme. The association also suggested improvements to the current organisation that can contribute to a better functioning in those member states where it currently runs less than optimally.

The proposed merger of the two schemes by the Commission does not support this objective, the EDA notes. The main aim of the SMS is to direct the eating habits of children towards a sustained milk and dairy products consumption. Six out of 11 EU-approved children health claims on normal growth and development of bone can be made by

certain milks, yogurts and cheeses. The introduction of accompanying measures for the SMS to support educational activities would significantly increase its impact, according to the EDA. The European dairy sector also urges policy makers to acknowledge and make better use of the existing science on the importance of milk and dairy products consumption for children.

The daily operation of the SMS is costly: budget, distribution and administration wise. In countries where there is no top-up, the level of subsidy is too low and the co-financing by parents is a far too expensive solution. This explains the underuse of the SMS in those countries.

The dairy sector feels it is important to give countries sufficient flexibility at national level to adapt to country specific needs, objectives and eating habits. All relevant stakeholders, including national authorities, schools and parents, should be involved to optimally implement the SMS. The development of a national strategy that encourages collaboration and simplifies coordination and organisation could bring added value. An exchange of best practices between member states should be facilitated by the European Commission.

“All indicators point to the importance of a balanced and healthy diet for the European citizen. It is essential to teach children good eating habits early on, to avoid obesity and other health problems in adult life. We believe the School Milk Scheme is a very valuable asset for achieving this, and therefore encourage the European Commission to optimize and expand the system so that all school children will have access to nutrient-rich dairy foods,” says Joop Kleibeuker, Secretary-General of the European Dairy Association.