Reliable science to ensure food safety in Europe

The Safe2Eat campaign, now in its sixth year, aims to raise awareness about food safety and help people make informed choices about their daily diet. In Slovenia, where the campaign is run in partnership with the National Institute of Public Health, this year's focus is on two current issues: food additives and dietary supplements.

Should we be worried about food additives?

Food additives are substances added to food to maintain or improve its safety, freshness, flavor, texture, or appearance. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses the safety of new food additives or proposed new uses for existing additives before they are approved for use in the EU. It also re-evaluates long-established additives to ensure they remain suitable for use. In the European Union, all approved food additives are identified by the letter E followed by a number.

All food additives are evaluated to ensure their safety. This involves testing how chemicals added to food affect our bodies and determining the amount we can safely consume through our daily diet. Once 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, stated Camilla Smeraldi, a toxicologist at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Do dietary supplements contribute to better health?

Food supplements are becoming increasingly popular across the EU. They are often presented as a convenient way to maintain health, improve physical performance, or boost the immune system.

However, nutritional supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet. Most people already meet their nutritional needs through a balanced diet, with the notable exception of vitamin D during the fall and winter, and when sun exposure is limited. Taking too many supplements can have harmful effects, as higher doses are not always better for your health.

If a food product 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 less informed. Visit the official campaign website, check out the educational materials, and follow the campaign on social media with the hashtag #Safe2EatEU.