Category: European law

As of 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over half of the European region's newborns were at risk of iodine deficiency, a significant public health problem. Despite this widespread issue, a persistent myth suggests that iodine is banned in Europe, causing confusion about dietary guidelines and supplement use. The reality is that iodine is not banned, but its use and sale are carefully regulated by the European Union to balance public health needs and prevent potential risks from excessive intake.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), vitamin supplements are regulated as food products in Europe to ensure consumer safety. This means that strict national and EU food legislation applies to their composition, labeling, and marketing, providing a regulatory framework for manufacturers and reassurance for consumers.

According to a 2024 report, the food supplement sector in Italy reached a total turnover of over 4.9 billion euros, demonstrating its strategic importance in the market. This booming industry operates under a dual regulatory system, raising the important question: are supplements regulated in Italy? The answer is a clear yes, through a robust framework of both European and national laws.

Based on EU Regulation 1169/2011, calories on European food labels are derived from a modified Atwater system using specific conversion factors for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other components. This standardized method ensures consistency for consumers across the continent.

Despite a long-standing de facto ban on cultivation since the early 2000s, Italy formally notified the European Commission in 2015 of its decision to prohibit the growth of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on its territory. This action reflects a complex regulatory history, contrasting domestic opposition to GM crops with the country's reliance on imported GM feed for its livestock industry. The situation has grown even more complicated with the recent rise of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).