Industry In Focus
FoodDrinkEurope has several websites which look at issues in focus (updates are in progress). This ranges from research into new technologies, such as nanotechnologies, to work under the European Technology Platform (ETP) Food for Life. It details initiatives to encourage balanced diets and healthy lifestyles, including commitments to Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs). For more information on the issues, click on the links below.
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
There are 310,000 food and drink companies in Europe, 99.1% of which are SMEs (enterprises with less than 250 employees). To find out more about SMEs in the food and drink sector, this is the right place to be. It highlights how FoodDrinkEurope is committed to simplifying policies to reduce administrative burdens; improving access to finance and research programmes; and facilitating access to international markets.
Nanotechnology
As an industry which places innovation at the forefront, FoodDrinkEurope and its members are interested in science-based research and development, including the application of nanotechnologies and their potential in food production. Nanotechnology in the food industry is at an early stage and, in the future, it could be used to deliver new food products and improve existing ones. It also has potential in processing and packaging, bringing benefits to consumers and industry. Safety comes first and the use of these new technologies will always be based on scientific research, regulatory compliance and consumer acceptance.
European Technology Platform
The European Technology Platform (ETP) Food for Life, under the auspices of FoodDrinkEurope, brings together stakeholders (academics, researchers, scientists etc.) to encourage research and innovation throughout the food chain. Since it was established in 2005, it has created and maintained networks, promoting funding opportunities and improving knowledge transfer, particularly to SMEs.
Nutrition and Health
As a society, our eating habits are changing and we are becoming more sedentary in our daily lives, contributing to growing obesity and weight-related diseases. This site highlights some of the numerous initiatives FoodDrinkEurope and its members are taking across Europe to make positive changes to the way people eat, drink and live. The site aims to provide ‘food for thought’ and to inspire others to educate and innovate for the benefit of European consumers.
Guideline Daily Amounts
If you are interested in finding out more about how to plan a balanced diet, this is the place to start. On this site, find out what you need to know about Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs), which provide nutrition information on a per portion basis (in addition to that provided, per 100g/ml, in the nutrition declaration). It explains both the rationale and how to use them
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