Source: European Parliament
The EU has a comprehensive legal framework to guarantee a high level of consumer protection in relation to food information. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011[1] ensures that consumers are not being misled by the information on composition of the food.
Member States may adopt national provisions providing for legal names for food but cannot prohibit the use of customary names or descriptive names for plant-based products where no legal name has been laid down.
The Court of Justice of the European Union also held that indicating in close proximity to the name of the food information relating to the replacement of an ingredient or of the sole ingredient of a food is sufficient to protect the consumer from the risk of being misled. As long as the exact nature of the foodstuff is clearly indicated, this approach supports consumers in making informed choices.
The Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the current EU legal framework to ensure that consumers are properly informed and will reflect on appropriate solutions to address the scientific and ethical concerns of citizens .
- [1] OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 18.