> Objective: To estimate the burden of cardiovascular disease within 15 European Union countries (before the 2004 enlargement) as a result of excess dietary saturated fats attributable to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

> Methods: A spreadsheet model was developed to synthesize data on population, diet, cholesterol levels and mortality rates. A conservative estimate of a reduction in saturated fat consumption of just 2.2 g was chosen, representing 1% of daily energy intake. The fall in serum cholesterol concentration was then calculated, assuming that this 1% reduction in saturated fat consumption was replaced with 0.5% monounsaturated and 0.5% polyunsaturated fats. The resulting reduction in cardiovascular and stroke deaths was then estimated, and a sensitivity analysis conducted.

> Findings: Reducing saturated fat consumption by 1% and increasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat by 0.5% each would lower blood cholesterol levels by approximately 0.06 mmol/l, resulting in approximately 9800 fewer coronary heart disease deaths and 3000 fewer stroke deaths each year.

> Conclusion: The cardiovascular disease burden attributable to CAP appears substantial. Furthermore, these calculations were conservative estimates, and the true mortality burden may be higher. The analysis contributes to the current wider debate concerning the relationship between CAP, health and chronic disease across Europe, together with recent international developments and commitments to reduce chronic diseases. The reported mortality estimates should be considered in relation to the current CAP and any future reforms.

Citerank: (9) 370192Reform the Common Agricultural Policy to promote healthHealth benefits should be an explicit, legitimate outcome of CAP spending, and CAP reform offers a significant opportunity to address the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by addressing 'distortions' in relation to certain food prices and production processes which potentially increase the burden of disease. [1]565CA4D9, 371805Include health promotion and disease reduction in CAP's public goodsFormal recognition of health a public good will ensure that promoting health and reducing disease is made an explicit part of the CAP's 'public goods' and that the CAP, and the associated funding, works to promote the wellbeing of EU citizens. [1]565CA4D9, 371806Ensure CAP spending takes account of its impact on CVD risk factorsThe European Commission's impact assessment procedure, part of its strategic planning and programming cycle, should include cardiovascular health and other health issues, so that CAP spending takes adequate account of its potential impact on CVD risk factors and is used in a way that optimises the public health outcomes. [1]565CA4D9, 371807Pillar Two funds should encourage production of healthier foodsFuture 'pillar two' funds should reward or encourage the production of highly nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and leaner meats, and payments under 'pillar one' should be phased out progressively so that all payments fall under 'pillar two'. [1]565CA4D9, 399874Reform the Common Agricultural Policy to promote healthHealth benefits should be an explicit, legitimate outcome of CAP spending, and CAP reform offers a significant opportunity to address the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by addressing 'distortions' in relation to certain food prices and production processes which potentially increase the burden of disease. [1]565CA4D9, 399881Include health promotion and disease reduction in CAP's public goodsFormal recognition of health a public good will ensure that promoting health and reducing disease is made an explicit part of the CAP's 'public goods' and that the CAP, and the associated funding, works to promote the wellbeing of EU citizens. [1]565CA4D9, 399882Ensure CAP spending takes account of its impact on CVD risk factorsThe European Commission's impact assessment procedure, part of its strategic planning and programming cycle, should include cardiovascular health and other health issues, so that CAP spending takes adequate account of its potential impact on CVD risk factors and is used in a way that optimises the public health outcomes. [1]565CA4D9, 399883Pillar Two funds should encourage production of healthier foodsFuture 'pillar two' funds should reward or encourage the production of highly nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and leaner meats, and payments under 'pillar one' should be phased out progressively so that all payments fall under 'pillar two'. [1]565CA4D9, 399928EU Common Agricultural PolicyThe burden of diet-related disease has grown considerably since the introduction of the common agricultural policy (CAP) – the overarching framework used by EU member countries to form their own agricultural policies – which has subsidised the production of dairy products, red meat and sugar, and resulted in the systematic destruction of large quantities of fruit and vegetables.62C78C9A

For over 40 years the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has subsidised massively the production of dairy products, red meat and sugar. At the same time the policy has resulted in the systematic destruction of large quantities of fruit and vegetables.

Although a number of factors influence diet, people's choice of food is largely determined by price and availability, particularly for people on low incomes. The widespread availability of relatively cheap milk, butter, cream and cheese, and of meat and meat products, has contributed largely to the high consumption of saturated fats by the UK public, particularly in low income households. Cheap sugar, ubiquitous in sweet snacks and drinks, is also more likely to be consumed by people on low incomes. By contrast, the relatively high price of fruit and many vegetables is reflected in the lower consumption of these foods by lower income groups.

High intakes of saturated fat and sugar, and low consumption of fruit and vegetables, are factors known to be associated with a number of major diseases and disorders, most notably obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and premature coronary heart disease and stroke. These problems – all potential killers – are common throughout the EU, particularly in the UK, and are generally more prevalent in people on lower incomes. It has been estimated that since CAP’s creation hundreds of thousands of premature deaths could be linked to the adverse effects of CAP subsidies.