EU Labels Found Misleading, Court Reports Call for Clearer Regulations
Source: DairyNews.today
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) and Safe Food Advocacy Europe (SAFE) have highlighted significant shortcomings in food labeling transparency across the EU, calling for clearer regulations to ensure consumers can make informed choices.
According to a SAFE report, based on a survey of 5,000 consumers in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain, 67% of respondents believe companies fail to provide sufficient information on product labels. The report, conducted in collaboration with market research firms Ethica and Toluna, underscores widespread distrust in claims such as "natural," often used without substantiating evidence.
Consumer Demands for Transparency
The SAFE study found that 89% of Europeans want stronger regulations to improve labeling transparency, with 85% deeming it inappropriate to label products containing synthetic ingredients as "natural." Furthermore, 83% believe that any use of synthetic components should be clearly disclosed on packaging.
Floriana Cimmarusti, Secretary General of SAFE, urged the European Commission to adopt stricter legislation to differentiate between natural and synthetic ingredients, stating:
"Consumers are demanding higher protection from misleading labels. This report should serve as a foundation for future revisions of the EU’s food safety framework."
Legislative Gaps
The ECA report criticized delays in updating the EU’s legal framework, which it said undermine consumers’ ability to make informed decisions. It recommended that the European Commission analyze current labeling practices, monitor consumer expectations, and enhance oversight of voluntary labeling claims by member states.
Under the EU’s 2011 Food Information to Consumers Regulation, labels must be "accurate, clear, easy to understand, and not misleading." However, both reports concluded that ambiguity and inconsistent enforcement remain widespread, fueling consumer frustration.
With growing demand for transparency, the findings could pressure EU policymakers to accelerate reforms and strengthen safeguards against misleading marketing practices.
Consumer Demands for Transparency
The SAFE study found that 89% of Europeans want stronger regulations to improve labeling transparency, with 85% deeming it inappropriate to label products containing synthetic ingredients as "natural." Furthermore, 83% believe that any use of synthetic components should be clearly disclosed on packaging.
Floriana Cimmarusti, Secretary General of SAFE, urged the European Commission to adopt stricter legislation to differentiate between natural and synthetic ingredients, stating:
"Consumers are demanding higher protection from misleading labels. This report should serve as a foundation for future revisions of the EU’s food safety framework."
Legislative Gaps
The ECA report criticized delays in updating the EU’s legal framework, which it said undermine consumers’ ability to make informed decisions. It recommended that the European Commission analyze current labeling practices, monitor consumer expectations, and enhance oversight of voluntary labeling claims by member states.
Under the EU’s 2011 Food Information to Consumers Regulation, labels must be "accurate, clear, easy to understand, and not misleading." However, both reports concluded that ambiguity and inconsistent enforcement remain widespread, fueling consumer frustration.
With growing demand for transparency, the findings could pressure EU policymakers to accelerate reforms and strengthen safeguards against misleading marketing practices.
