European Union

'The [Commission's] proposal in its current form also excludes all imports which represent a significant part of the market,' said Nuša Urbančič at Changing Markets. © iStock/Zerbor

Acrylamide levels in Europe are dangerously high, says NGO

By Niamh Michail

Acrylamide levels in Europe are still dangerously high and relying on industry goodwill to lower them is destined to fail, says an NGO following analysis of previously unseen data released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Campaigners said the rules still don’t go far enough.  © iStock

EXCLUSIVE

Acrylamide proposals strengthened in new draft

By David Burrows

The European Commission has moved to strengthen proposed new regulations on acrylamide, but the amendments are unlikely to be enough to appease campaigners.

The Parliament has spoken...but how long will it take the EC to define trans fat limits? © iStock

EC called on to fast-track impact assessment

MEPs vote to limit trans fats in EU

By Niamh Michail

MEPs have overwhelmingly voted to adopt a resolution pushing for a European limit on industrially produced trans fats, something industry has said it supports at 2%.

The European Commission would need to draft regulations for any ban on BPA to happen

BPA ban move backed by MEPs

By Joseph James Whitworth

An EU-wide ban of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials (FCMs) has been backed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

© iStock

Manufacturers dismiss Italy's 'wheat war'

By Niamh Michail

Low prices and cheap imports are hitting Italian wheat producers who are declaring 'a wheat war' while MEPs are calling for the Commission to act. But Italy simply cannot produce enough wheat to meet national demands, say manufacturers.

What does Brexit mean for the UK bread industry?

EU unzipped: How bread can cut it in post-Brexit Britain

By Vince Bamford

Industries on both sides of the English Channel are already feeling the impact of the uncertainty brought about by the Brexit referendum result. No-one will be immune, but Vince Bamford suggests the UK bread industry may be more insulated than some food...

Brexit poll: 52% of UK voted to leave the EU: Photo: iStock - vchal

BREXIT

Brexit: The industry responds

By Vince Bamford

As snacks and bakery businesses across the globe come to terms with the ramifications of the UK’s impending exit from the European Union, we gather responses from businesses, trade bodies and stakeholders.

The protectionist law covers minimum shelf space for local food, country of origin labelling for meat and payment terms between retailers and producers. Photo: iStock

Romania to require supermarkets to sell 51% local food

By Niamh Michail

Romania is set to pass a law requiring supermarkets to sell a minimum of 51% local food, including dairy, bakery and meat products - but will the protectionist law get past the European Commission?

'All in all, the coming period will see plenty of uncertainty for stakeholders,' said Rabobank. ©iStock

EU sugar prices could rise as supply and demand tightens

By David Burrows

Global sugar prices have rocketed 30% since mid-April as the balance between supply and demand tightens. In Europe prices have remained steady but could soon increase, according to Rabobank’s latest sugar quarterly.

'There will be the usual suspects of food and feed firms and researchers, but then also input from technology players,' says Finnish researcher behind insect project. © iStock.com / Wittayayut

How to foster a buzzing edible insects industry

By Annie Harrison-Dunn

A Finnish project is to investigate the main hurdles and opportunities for the edible insect industry by linking up input from multidisciplinary players from relevant sectors. 

MEPs will vote next week on whether more action is required to protect Europe from unfair trading practices. © iStock

IFA: THE FARMER IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FOOD CHAIN'

End the power imbalance in Europe's food supply chain, say MEPs

By Niamh Michail

The Commission must end income and power imbalances in the food chain by taking action to tackle unfair trading practices and fostering fair and transparent relations between food producers, suppliers and distributors, say MEPs in a draft resolution.

Much of Turkey's food regulation is harmonised with EU law making it a hassle-free country to do business  - although there are some notable exceptions, such as GMOs, nutrient profiles and maximum salt levels. © iStock

Spotlight on Turkish regulation: 'It's an easy market to enter'

By Niamh Michail

Harmonisation of Turkish and EU food law make it an easy and attractive market for foreign companies, but on issues that affect public health - such as nutrient profiles, health claims, GM food and salt reduction - the country is forging its own path. FoodNavigator...

TTIP could damage food safety, protected origin foods and flood the EU market with cheap beef and dairy imports, Friends of the Earth has warned. Photo: iStock

TTIP – a nail in the coffin for EU food producers?

By David Burrows

The big winners of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal will be the corporate food giants and US factory farms with European producers set to lose the most, according to Friends of the Earth. "Entire sectors are at risk...

The fortifiers and the non-fortifiers - who is doing what when it comes to folic acid and neural tube defects? © iStock.com / eyegelb

Special edition: Gender-specific nutrition

Folic acid fortification: The current global state of play

By Lynda Searby

To date 75 countries globally have implemented mandatory fortification programmes for folic acid with the aim of preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. Yet despite growing calls from NGOs, health experts and researchers, the 28 EU member countries...

MEPs have voted to re-authorise the controversial pesticide glyphosate for another seven years in the EU. © iStock

MEPs give glyphosate green light – with caveats

By David Burrows

The European Parliament has voted in favour of re-authorising the use of glyphosate – the weedkiller that almost two thirds of consumers want to see banned - but have limited this approval to seven years.

 A commission source said member states focused in particular on the safety issue of co-formulants and tallowamines during the committee discussion. © iStock / Mihajlo Maricic

EU delays glyphosate decision amid cancer concerns

By Niamh Michail

The European Commission delayed making a decision on glyphosate yesterday as four member states, including the EU Presidency-holding Netherlands, said they would vote against renewing Monsanto's licence, leaving campaigners claiming a temporary victory. 

Strategic shift: 'There was really no reason to talk to the consumer any more because we were not allowed to talk to the consumer any more.'

NutraInterview: Dominique Speleers, Beneo executive board member

Beneo: EFSA forced us to change our strategy

By Shane STARLING

Dominique Speleers is a long-time Beneo man who has seen a lot in his 15 years with the European ingredients giant from back when it was Belgian inulin and chicory player Beneo-Orafti and now as a board member of the more European, more international,...

Picture credit: PRE

Mixed feelings from PRE, APEAL, EuPC, BPF

Debate rages on over revised Circular Economy Package

By Jenny Eagle

The debate surrounding the revised Circular Economy Package rages on as some associations are not happy with the decisions announced while others welcome the changes.

First Vice-President Frans Timmermans

Reaction from ACE, EuropaBio, European Bioplastics, CEPI, EUROPEN

Circular Economy: Part I – What does the future hold now?

By Jenny Eagle

The European Commission has adopted a revised Circular Economy Package to help European businesses and consumers - "closing the loop" of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use. 

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