EFET on World Consumer Day: Humanity Faces New Challenges

Greece’s consumer watchdog, the Hellenic Food Authority (EFET), released a statement on the occasion of World Consumer Day, celebrated on Saturday, March 15. The statement highlighted the need to address ongoing global conflicts and climate challenges, among other issues.

As noted by the Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) against the backdrop of a shifting global landscape shaped by ongoing conflicts, environmental crises, and economic and geopolitical factors, consumers have become increasingly aware of the new challenges facing humanity, particularly in light of the energy and climate crisis. Extreme weather events, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss pose growing threats to the future of the planet and human health.

“Given these realities, it is likely that in the coming years, we will need to make fundamental changes to our way of life,” the statement reads. “This includes our diet, how we travel, how we heat or cool our homes, and the products and services we use. These changes will be necessary to ensure the planet remains sustainable while still meeting human needs and protecting consumer rights.”

This year’s message emphasizes the need for a transition to sustainable lifestyles while safeguarding consumers’ legally recognized rights. This means ensuring access to essential goods such as food and energy, as well as health and safety.

“In this context of sustainability, healthy choices should be accessible to all. Vulnerable consumers, including those with low incomes, must be included and protected, while consumer voices should be heard at all levels of governance,” EFET stressed.

World Consumer Day was established in 1983 by a United Nations decision, commemorating the speech delivered by U.S. President John F. Kennedy on March 15, 1962, in which he laid the foundations of the consumer movement.