Conference in the European Parliament – Sugar: Europe’s obstacle to boosting oral health
26 March 2026
On 25 March 2026, a policy event at the European Parliament addressed the public health aspects of sugar intake. It was hosted by the Italian MEP Dario Tamburrano and co-organised by the Council of European Dentists (CED) in Brussels. The event focused on gaps in EU regulations on sugar consumption and the role of dentists in promoting healthier lifestyles.
Speakers highlighted that sugar is a major public health threat. Consumption levels in Europe are three times higher than the recommendations of the World Health Organization. This contributes to tooth loss, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Experts presented national initiatives to reduce sugar intake and improve oral health, with Professor Johan Wölber stressing that dental organisations must shift from treating consequences to tackling causes thanks to prevention and education.
From the consumers’ perspective, Anouck Guillou, Policy and Project Officer at SAFE, emphasised the impact of aggressive food marketing, which makes healthy choices and reducing sugar intake difficult. She presented SAFE’s work in raising awareness on sugar consumption, including nutrition education in schools, the Preventia project targeting non-communicable diseases, and the BiteWatch app, which helps users make informed choices when buying food at the supermarket through clear nutritional information.
The event called for EU measures such as sugar taxes, stricter advertising rules, clearer labelling, improved nutrition standards in public institutions, and stronger public education to support overall health.
