Tag: Us vs eu food

Food safety watchdogs and consumers have increasingly scrutinized the food additive titanium dioxide. The question, 'Do peanut M&Ms have titanium dioxide?', has a complex, location-dependent answer that highlights the differences in food regulation between regions like the U.S. and the European Union.

In 2024, the European Food Safety Authority flagged a number of food products for containing unauthorized chemicals, part of a long-standing pattern that explains why Gatorade is not allowed in Europe in its standard American formulation. The primary reason for this restriction is the EU's stringent regulations concerning specific ingredients, particularly certain artificial food dyes and historical use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO). This contrast highlights fundamental differences in food safety approaches between continents.

According to a 2025 study from Yuka, American food products contain an average of 3.14 additives, significantly more than in many European countries. So, why do American foods have so many additives? The answer is a complex mix of regulatory philosophy, consumer expectations, and industrial-scale food production.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an authorized food additive must not pose a risk to consumer health and must have a legitimate technological need. This fundamental principle is at the heart of the answer to the question: "Does food in Europe have less preservatives?" The distinction is most noticeable when comparing European Union regulations with those of the United States, where a more reactive, risk-based approach is often taken.