Tag: Eu food law

The food additive E110, known as Sunset Yellow FCF, faces a wide range of regulatory approaches globally, with Norway standing as one of the few nations with a definitive ban. Other countries and regions, including those in the European Union, have implemented mandatory labeling requirements and restrictions due to health concerns, particularly linked to hyperactivity in children.

Over 90 countries worldwide, including EU member states, authorize the use of aspartame, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) ensuring strict safety assessments. So, does Europe allow artificial sweeteners? Yes, but their use is tightly regulated by the EU to ensure consumer safety and requires transparent labeling.

In the European Union, a food product can only carry a 'high protein' claim if at least 20% of its total energy value comes from protein. So, what is a high protein claim requirement, and why do these nutritional standards vary so significantly across different global markets?

According to the European Food Safety Authority, approximately 0.7% of the EU population suffers from celiac disease, fueling a significant and growing demand for gluten-free products. This reality has transformed the continent's food landscape, making Europe increasingly accessible for those following a gluten-free diet, but with notable variations from one country to the next.

Unlike in the United States, where 'high fructose corn syrup' (HFCS) is a common label, the equivalent sweetener is referred to by different names in the European Union. Consumers in the EU will find this product listed on food labels as either glucose-fructose syrup or isoglucose, reflecting differences in composition and regulation.

Unlike medicinal products, supplements do not require pre-market authorization in Germany, a fact that often surprises consumers. This critical difference raises an important question: are supplements regulated in Germany, and if so, how does the system ensure safety and transparency for consumers?

In 2011, the European Union first authorized the use of steviol glycosides, derived from the stevia plant, as an official food additive after a comprehensive safety review. This decision ended years of regulatory uncertainty regarding whether stevia is allowed in Europe, making a purified form of the natural, zero-calorie sweetener legally available across the bloc.

Despite a common misconception, high fructose corn syrup is not banned in European countries, although its usage is significantly lower and historically more restricted than in the United States. The reasons involve a complex interplay of regulations, local agricultural practices, and consumer preferences.

Since 1994, the European Union has heavily restricted the use of the synthetic food dye known as Red Dye 3 in the United States. If you're wondering what is red dye 3 called in Europe, the substance is identified by its chemical name Erythrosine and its E number, E127.

Sucralose, a popular artificial sweetener, has been the subject of frequent speculation regarding its legality in Europe. Contrary to popular belief, sucralose is not banned across the European Union but is, in fact, an approved food additive under strict regulations.