Tag: European union food law

Over 600 million people annually fall ill from unsafe food, according to the World Health Organization, driving increased scrutiny over food additives globally. A growing number of countries and regions are responding to consumer demand and scientific evidence by banning or severely restricting artificial food dyes, which have been linked to health concerns ranging from hyperactivity in children to potential cancer risks. This shift represents a divergence in regulatory approaches and reflects a worldwide push toward cleaner food labels and greater consumer transparency.

In 2013, a petition signed by over 348,000 people highlighted the issue of controversial ingredients in America's most popular boxed macaroni and cheese. This sparked a major debate, revealing why some countries have placed restrictions on certain mac and cheese products, not due to the dish itself, but because of specific artificial colorings and other chemical additives.

Since April 2021, EU-wide legislation has restricted industrially produced trans fats to a maximum of 2g per 100g of fat in retail foods, including margarine. This has led to some consumer confusion, but the fact remains that yes, margarine is allowed in Europe, though it is subject to rigorous safety, quality, and labeling standards.

According to the American Diabetes Association, "superfood" is a marketing term with no official definition by the FDA. The public perception of this word has been heavily influenced by marketing, but is superfood a regulated term from a legal perspective? This article breaks down the regulatory landscape and consumer considerations surrounding this popular buzzword.