Food labelling: revision of EU rules planned

Joint Research Centre publishes a series of studies for the revision of EU rules

The Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) published on 9 September 2022 the results of four scientific studies related to consumer information on food.
The findings of these studies will feed the reflections for future policy making. In particular, they will contribute to the impact assessment of a Commission proposal to revise EU rules on food information for consumers, in the framework of the EU Farm to Table strategy and the European Cancer Action Plan.

The studies cover several topics: front-of-package nutrition labeling, alcoholic beverage labeling, non-label food information, including digital, and product origin labeling.
Studies show that consumers generally appreciate front-of-package nutrition labels as a quick and easy way to obtain nutrition information when shopping. Overall, consumers prefer and use simpler, more colorful labels.

Market analysis shows that the alcoholic beverage industry has voluntarily adopted the option of providing ingredient and nutrition information on labels. The studies highlight that disparities in the frequency and content of information exist between sectors and countries.

They also indicate that food information provided through means other than labeling, such as shelf labels and point-of-purchase displays, can be effective in encouraging consumers to adopt healthy eating behaviors, compared to online means that require external tools.

In addition, information on country of origin and provenance have a major influence on consumers' food choices. More information on the studies is available in a dedicated press release.

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Information collected in the framework of the ACTIA NutriPrevius network.
ITERG participates in the ACTIA Nutriprevius network, a network that brings together actors from Actia centers, research and education around the theme of improving nutritional quality for a more sustainable food supply.