Trustworthy science for safe food in Europe
The Safe2Eat campaign, now in its sixth year, aims to raise awareness and understanding of food safety, helping citizens make informed decisions about their daily food choices.
Should we be concerned about food additives?
Food additives are substances added to food to maintain or improve its safety, freshness, taste, texture or appearance. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses the safety of new food additives or proposed new uses of existing additives before they can be approved for use in the EU. It also re-evaluates additives that have been approved for a long time to ensure that they are still suitable for use. In the European Union, all approved food additives are identified by the letter E and the corresponding number.
All food additives are assessed to make sure they are safe to eat. We check how the chemicals added to food affect our bodies if we eat them, and how much we can safely consume through our diet each day. Once they are approved and used in a food product, they must be listed on the label. This way, consumers know what they are eating and can trust that it is safe, said Camilla Smeraldi, toxicologist at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Do dietary supplements contribute to better health?
Dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular across the EU. Dietary supplements are often presented as a convenient way to maintain health, improve physical performance or support the immune system.
However, nutritional supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet. Most people already meet their nutrient needs through a balanced diet, with the notable exception of vitamin D in the fall and winter months and when there is little sun exposure. Taking too much of a supplement can have harmful effects, as higher doses are not necessarily better for health.
If a food does not meet the Safe2Eat criteria, it is not suitable for the EU market.
The EU has one of the strictest food safety systems in the world. It is based on scientific excellence and close cooperation between the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and national food safety authorities across Europe, each of which plays an important role.
The Safe2Eat campaign is aimed at all citizens, from those who are already well-informed and not concerned about food safety, to those who are more concerned but also less informed. Visit the official campaign website, view educational materials and follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #Safe2EatEU.
