Food for thought – empowering consumers: a critique of EU food labelling law

Abstract

Intended to support a sensible and independent decision-making process by consumers whilst preventing the spread of misinformation, food information is an essential means of communication with consumers. This paper asks how the effectiveness of the current system of food information in the European Union (EU) can be improved from the point of view of the consumer? To answer this question, the author looks at the deficiencies of the existing regulatory framework to show that whilst the current structure provides consumers with comprehensive and reliable information, the mechanics of the system are inadequate. In light of these gaps, the paper advocates the position that the EU should consider introducing a mandatory FOPNL (front-of-package nutrition label) supported by an information campaign, aimed at enhancing the ability of consumers to use food information to make rational and healthy food choices. To this end, this paper looks at the existing regulatory framework (part 1) before exploring the literature on mandatory disclosure regulation and highlighting the problems associated with food information from the consumer’s perspective (part 2). In the final segment, this paper looks at FOPNLs and the way in which the latter can be combined with an information campaign to enhance consumer food labelling literacy.