Romania

Commercial Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases in the WHO European Region

This report highlights the substantial impact of commercial determinants on noncommunicable diseases (‎NCDs)‎ in the WHO European Region. Nearly 7500 deaths per day in the Region are attributed to commercial determinants, such as tobacco, alcohol,processed food, fossil fuels and occupational practices. These commercial products and practices contribute to 25% of all deaths in the Region. The report’s chapters systematically explore various facets of how commercial interests exacerbate NCDs and key strategies used by commercial actors to negatively influence NCD-related policies at the national and international level. The reportalso provides selected case studies from the Region to illustrate key strategies and outcomes of industry influence on health policies.The report then calls for urgent and coordinated action to address the commercial determinants of NCDs. It advocates for building coalitions based on the values of equity, sustainability, and resilience. Public health actors are urged to develop competencies in economic and legal frameworks, enforce transparency, and manage conflicts of interest effectively. The report underscores the need for robust financial reforms and strict regulation to curb industry power and protect public health. By implementing these strategies, the Region can accelerate progress towards global NCD targets and Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Tax on food and drink high in sugar

The value added tax for foods with added sugar in which sugar accounts for at least 10 % of the product's weight increased from 9 % to 19 %. Non-alcoholic beverages with added sugar above 5g per 100 ml will be subject to non-harmonised excise duty.

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards trans fat, other than trans fat naturally occurring in fat of animal origin

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. Adopted by The European Commission from April 2019. (Available in multiple languages)

European practical and patient-centred guidelines for adult obesity management in primary care

This article aims to provide obesity management guidelines specifically tailored to GPs, favouring a practical patient-centred approach. The focus is on GP communication and motivational interviewing as well as on therapeutic patient education. The new guidelines highlight the importance of avoiding stigmatization, something frequently seen in different health care settings. In addition, managing the psychological aspects of the disease, such as improving self-esteem, body image and quality of life must not be neglected.

More and Less Programme

The More and Less Programme is a parent support program for the management of overweight and obesity in children. The programme "consists of 10-weekly group sessions which focus on evidence-based parenting practices". Part of the wider STOP project.

School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme

"Applicable since 1 August 2017, the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme combines two previous schemes (the school fruit and vegetables scheme and the school milk scheme) under a single legal framework for more efficiency and an enhanced focus on health and educational. The scheme supports the distribution of products, educational measures and information measures. The scheme supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and certain milk products to schoolchildren, from nursery to secondary school. EU countries approve a list of products (in collaboration with their health and nutrition authorities) which will help achieve the schemes objective of helping children to follow a healthy diet. Priority is for fresh fruit and vegetables and for plain milk. In order to support a varied diet and/or specific nutritional needs, EU countries may also make processed fruit and vegetables such as juices and soups and certain milk products such as yoghurt and cheese, available. Additionally, under stricter conditions, milk-based drinks may be included." - EU Commission

GNPR 2016-2017: Infant and young child nutrition - Breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling

This programme was reported by countries for the 2nd WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 module on actions related to infant and young child nutrition. Information provided by WHO GINA Programme.

Preventive interventions Addressed to Lifestyle - Food & Physical Activity

Physical activity guidelines for Romania. Part of Project RO19.04 "Multi-level interventions for prevention non-communicable diseases (NTDs) associated with lifestyle in Romania"

Ethical Code for Food Product Advertising Targeting Children

A set of voluntary rules and regulations for all parties involved in food promotions targeting children.

National public health programme

Romania's public health programme 2015/16, including national obesity strategy.

European Union (EU) Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-2020

EU Action plan. To contribute to halting the rise in overweight and obesity in children and young people (0-18 years) by 2020

National Health Strategy 2014-2020

National health programme for Romania

National Health Strategy 2014-2020

EU Regulation 1169/2011

Passed in 2011, EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from October 2011.

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

SETS

"“I’m living a healthy life, too!” – SETS is a national programme which has been implemented in primary schools in five major cities and 14 rural communities. The programme targets schoolchildren and their families, teachers and school principals. SETS also focuses on the general public. The programme provides educational materials about a healthy lifestyle and the importance of sports, hydration, sleep and well-balanced meals."

Legislation on prohibited food in schools (Law no. 123/2008)

Legislation that sets maximum amounts for sugar, fat and salt in food sold in schools and pre-schools (Ministerial Order 1563/2008). The maximum levels amount to 15g sugar, 20g fat and 1.5g salt or 0.6g sodium per 100g of a food product. Soft drinks are prohibited from being sold and distributed and drinking water must be accessible.

EU health and nutrient claims regulation

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health and nutrient claims. The European Commission approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and accessible consumers. The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. Nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.

Guidelines for a healthy diet (Romanian: Reguli pentru o alimentaţie sănătoasă).

The Ministry of Health led the development of the guidelines. Universities and nutrition institutes were involved in the process. The guidelines are endorsed by the Ministry of Health. Romania uses a food pyramid divided into seven food groups. At the base, there are images of physical activity.

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Law 182/2020

In August 2020, a law was passed in Romania which stipulated that trans fats would be limited to 2g per 100g of fat (Law 182/2020). This law applies to both domestic and imported products.

Ministerul Sănătăţii Institutul pentru Ocrotirea Mamei şi Copilului

Diagnostic and treatment protocol in childhood obesity 2011

The Code of Audiovisual Content Regulations

The Code of Audiovisual Content Regulations was introduced to Romania in 2013 and includes regulations surrounding the advertisement of food and drink products on broadcast media, including rules on health/nutrient claims, the use of celebrities in advertisement, and rules on health messaging. The code was updated in 2017.