Food labelling in the EU – Consumers can get lost in the maze of labels

Overall, the European Court of Auditors conclude in their report that food labelling in the EU can help consumers make better-informed decisions when purchasing food, but there are notable gaps in the EU legal framework as well as weaknesses in the monitoring, reporting, control systems, and sanctions. This leads to consumers being confronted with labels that can be confusing or misleading, or that they do not always understand.

For example, EU food labelling rules currently allow the use of nutrition and health claims even for products that are high in fat, sugar and/or salt (e.g. “rich in vitamin C” on a product high in sugar). Consumers who are trying to make healthier choices might therefore inadvertently consume products containing high amounts of unhealthy nutrients

If you or your company is responsible for food labelling and you need help interpreting the legislation, preparing declarations or need an extra check of the claims on the label, you are welcome to contact us at Herax Food Solutions.

Link to the report: Special report 23/2024 Food labelling in the EU

Please find information about the services we offer: Herax Food Solutions