Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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BEUC Press Release, 26 January 2018
It’s already 9 years that BEUC and its member organisations began calling for nutrient profiles to be adopted. These tools would help slash the number of health and nutrition claims which give a healthy halo to unhealthy foods.
During a press conference held this morning in Brussels, BEUC and its Belgian member Test Achats/Test Aankoop jointly exposed these claims which mislead consumers.
This month BEUC and 11 of its members1 launched a campaign to denounce the numerous food products which bear misleading claims. Consumer organisations urge the EU Commission to swiftly publish the nutrient profiles which are now 9 years late.
Nutrition claims highlight the benefits some nutrients can bring to a foodstuff, such as “source of calcium” or “70% fat less”. Health claims underline the food’s effect on the body, such as “Vitamin C boosts your immune system”.
Ivo Mechels, CEO of Test Achats/Test Aankoop said that “there is a list of health and nutrition claims which are allowed or forbidden, but this is clearly not enough.” This list does not prevent food makers from displaying the message “high in fibres and vitamin D” on a box of sugar-loaded cereals. This makes food and drinks look much healthier than they actually are.
BEUC members have spotted numerous products of concern across Europe. Examples include dairy products high in sugar but also high in minerals and vitamins, to strengthen bones and boost the immune system. Others include high-sugar baby cereals boasting about iron and zinc to help brain development, and powder chocolate with 75% sugar that boosts memory and concentration. The list goes on…
Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC, commented:
“Who would think that breakfast cereals rich in fibres and calcium are actually one third sugar? Our members have found massive numbers of claims across Europe which mislead consumers as they disguise foods high in sugar or fat as healthy options. This is unacceptable.
“At a time when obesity is rising in Europe, consumers should be able to trust claims on packaging. Only nutrient profiles can ensure this happens, so it is high time the EU took action.”
