Over the last decade, many new food labelling requirements have been introduced in the EU, as part of the FIC Regulation and beyond. Any additional legislative measures should only be introduced if:
- they are justified by a strong science and evidence base;
- they do not cause a barrier to the free movement of goods in the EU Single Market;
- if they do not create disproportionate additional burdens on companies (especially SMEs, which make up 99% of the European food and drink sector);
- if there is a clear, demonstrated added value as part of a holistic EU approach to providing food information.
In the digital transition era, digital means of communication may play an important role in facilitating additional demands for transparency and information, particularly as food label space is limited.
The European food and drink industry provides clear, factual, and relevant information and offers its technical knowledge and consumer insights to find harmonised solutions to enhance food information to consumers in Europe.
When the revision of the Food Information to Consumers Regulation No 1169/2011 (FIC Regulation) was considered, some elements that could empower consumers to shift towards sustainable and balanced diets were regrettably omitted. FoodDrinkEurope is calling for the revision of certain provisions of the FIC Regulation.