IMACE welcomes the European Commission’s new public procurement proposal

𝐀 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

IMACE welcomes the European Commission’s new public procurement proposal which recognises the importance of nutrition, health and sustainability when public authorities purchase food.

This is particularly relevant for meals served in schools, hospitals and care homes. Public procurement can help make healthy choices more accessible, including foods rich in unsaturated, plant-based fats such as margarines and spreads. We also welcome the proposal’s stronger focus on quality alongside price.

Our only regret is that these food procurement considerations would remain optional. To deliver real benefits, public buyers across Europe should be required - and supported - to apply clear health and sustainability criteria.

IMACE looks forward to contributing its expertise as the proposal moves through the legislative process.