Food processing involves any method that turns fresh foods into food products. Foods can be processed in many different ways, whether it is at home or on an industrial scale. What is the impact of food processing and how can we get the most out of processed foods? Learn more…
Is soy good or bad for you? This question has been a subject of much debate and speculation. In recent years, soy has gained popularity as a versatile and nutritious food source. Soy and soy-based products have found their way into a wide range of foods, from tofu and soy…
Soybeans are a widely grown crop, known for its use in a wide variety of food products, Soy is also used to produce animal feed and for several other industrial purposes. In the last 50 years, soy production has expanded rapidly and has been scrutinised for its impact on the…
Gone are the days when people assumed protein only came from meat, dairy, and eggs. Whether you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet or simply want to increase your intake of plants, pulses can make a great protein-packed ally. From lentils and chickpeas to black beans and peas, there…
High in protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and low in fat… we’re talking about pulses! These tiny protein-packed foods do not only taste delicious, but they are also a simple and affordable solution to help tackle the climate, health, and cost-of-living crises. This article explores what pulses are, the different types…
Zero Hidden Hunger EU: Tackling micronutrient malnutrition and hidden hunger to improve health in the EU
We may want to lose weight, get fit, or just be healthier. We know that more fruit and vegetables or more exercising is good for us but maintaining the motivation and sticking to decisions may seem hard. There are ways to make the healthy way the easy way. Setting SMART…
Preventing obesity through Biologically and bEhaviorally Tailored inTERventions for you (BETTER4U)
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the fruits and vegetables that don’t meet the standards to be sold as fresh produce or that are left behind due to overproduction? Probably a large amount is thrown away. It is estimated that 88 million tons of food are wasted annually…
The need and urgency to shift to a healthier and more sustainable food system is widely acknowledged. However, vulnerable populations, particularly those with low socio-economic status (SES), face multiple challenges that make it harder to eat in a sustainable and healthy way. To support the transition towards healthier and more…
Sugars are everywhere in our diets. They are found naturally in foods or are added to various foods and drinks. Sources of sugar in our diets include fruits and fruit juices, soft drinks, honey, jams and marmalades, vegetable products (e.g., tomato ketchup), ready-meals, desserts and other sweet treats. Sugars are…
Sugars are common components of our diets. They are found in a wide range of foods and drinks, both naturally and in added form, including in fruit and fruit juices, milk and dairy products, honey, jams and marmalades, soft drinks, ready-meals, vegetable products (e.g. tomato ketchup), desserts, and other sweet…
Improper and excessive use of antimicrobials in both human health care and agricultural production domains has accelerated the development of bacterial defences against them and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This article explores what European and international organizations are doing to tackle this issue. Before delving into the topic,…
Antibiotic resistance represents one of the most significant global threats to health and food security in the world today. Overuse and misuse of these life-saving drugs have allowed bacteria to evolve defences against them at an alarming rate. If left unaddressed, antibiotic resistance could lead to a future where common…
On November 15th, on the occasion of the 5th International Whole Grains Day, the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) launches a campaign that aims to highlight the positive impact of whole grain on nutrition, wellbeing, and sustainability and to inspire citizens to integrate these nutritious choices into their daily diets.…
This week, the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) will host a symposium on food education and engagement and a training series on science communication at the 14th European Nutrition Conference, organised by the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) in Belgrade, Serbia. Education and engagement crucial to build food and…
DOMINO (Harnessing the potential of Fermenting for Healthy and Sustainable Foods)
The world's food systems are currently facing a myriad of challenges that require immediate attention and action. Despite the urgency of this matter, citizen engagement in the processes that can drive the transformation remains a challenge, particularly in terms of their involvement in public policy processes. To address this crucial…
On November 15th, on the occasion of the 5th International Whole Grains Day, the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) is launching its social media challenge #SwitchToWholeGrains to inspire European citizens to integrate more whole grains into their daily diets. A diet rich in whole grains can reduce the risk for…
Eating whole grains as part of a healthy diet may help to reduce the risk of many common diseases. This article explores common questions about whole grains, shedding light on their nutritional value, types, and how they contribute to a healthy lifestyle. You will also find easy tips on how…
Op 15 november, ter gelegenheid van de 5e Internationale Volkoren Dag, lanceert de European Food Information Council (EUFIC) hun social media uitdaging #SwitchToWholeGrains om Europeanen te inspireren om meer volkoren granen in hun dagelijkse voeding te integreren. Een voeding die rijk is aan volkoren granen kan het risico op niet-overdraagbare…
Als je volkoren granen eet als een onderdeel van een gezond dieet, kan dit helpen om het risico op een groot aantal ziekten te verminderen. Dit artikel gaat in op veelgestelde vragen over volkoren granen en geeft inzicht in hun voedingswaarde, de verschillende soorten en hoe ze bijdragen aan een…
Vezels spelen een essentiële rol in het behoud van onze algehele gezondheid en ons welzijn. Toch eten de meesten van ons niet de aanbevolen hoeveelheid. Welke vezelrijke voedingsmiddelen kunnen we aan ons dieet toevoegen om dichter bij onze dagelijkse vezeldoelstelling te komen? En zijn vezelsupplementen nuttig om ons te helpen…
Fibre plays an essential role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Yet, most of us do not eat the recommended amount. Which fibre-rich foods can we incorporate in our diet to help us get closer to our daily fibre target? And are fibre supplements beneficial to help us increase…
Join the Food Facts Community to debunk food misinformation and help build public science literacy Brussels, 25th October – Are plant-based patties healthier than their meaty counterparts? What are the real effects of additives? Have you ever needed to talk to an expert on sugar, but you did not have…
[Brussels, 10th October 2023] – The EU funded Horizon project DRG4Food, a leading accelerator for advancing sustainable solutions in the food industry, releases its first open call of €950,000, aimed at supporting three pilot projects for up to €300,000 to develop and implement baseline enablers advancing alternative approaches food system…
YOUng AgRifood European INnovators (YOUAREIN)
InnoProtein - New sustainable proteins for food, feed and non-food bio-based applications
Brussels, 29th of September 2023 On September 29th, on the occasion of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) is launching a one-month food waste campaign, together with a new quiz "Evaluate Your…
Brussels, 21 September 2023 – Shortening food supply chains is one of the key aspects to stimulate the uptake of sustainable food systems transformation: what if we could bring food processing closer to farmers in an economically feasible way? FOX – Food Processing in a Box, a Horizon 2020 funded…
Discover how you can make a positive impact on the environment and save on costs by evaluating your food waste habits! EUFIC's new food waste quiz is designed to help you evaluate your food waste practices and identify effective strategies tailored to your lifestyle that can minimise food waste. After…
The world is gearing up to mark the International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day on September 29th, a day dedicated to addressing the critical issue of food loss and waste (FLW). Recognising that this challenge needs the collective efforts of experts and stakeholders from various fields, the Valencia World…
Tänase rahvusvahelise kirjaoskuse päeva puhul algatas Euroopa Toiduteabe Nõukogu toidu- ja terviseteaduse alase kirjaoskuse suurendamise kampaania rõhutamaks selle rolli üldsuse teadlike toitumis- ja elustiilivalikute tegemisel. Kampaania peamine eesmärk on luua tervislikum ja kestlikum ühiskond. Eurobaromeetri 2022. aasta uuringu järgi pidas 49% vastanutest avalik-õiguslikke tele- ja raadiojaamu kõige usaldusväärsemaks uudiste allikaks…
In recognition of International Literacy Day, the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) has launched a campaign on food and health science literacy. This initiative emphasises the crucial role of literacy in empowering the public to make well-informed diet and lifestyle choices, underpinning a vision for a healthier and more sustainable…
Nutrition and health are inextricably linked. Nutrition researchers try to unravel these connections in order to arrive at reliable nutritional advice. However, not all types of research can be used to draw equally firm conclusions. Understanding the different types of study designs is important for distinguishing between reliable and less…
Have you ever wondered how strong the scientific evidence is behind the latest dietary trends and health claims? This infographic dives into common study designs (systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, observational research, including prospective cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, animal studies, cell studies, and anecdotes and case studies)…
In a world flooded with information, distinguishing fact from fiction is crucial, especially when it comes to health. It’s easy to stumble upon articles that claim to be backed by science but actually twist the facts. They may make extravagant promises or single out specific foods, leaving us puzzled about…
In an era where information is readily available, graphs have become essential tools for conveying data in a visually appealing and concise manner. Understanding how to read them accurately is crucial for making informed decisions. However, graphs can be misleading if not interpreted correctly or are even made misleading on…
In today’s information age, our ability to make informed decisions is crucial, especially when it comes to nutrition and health. To make sense of the huge amount of information that surrounds us, our brains sometimes make systematic thinking errors – known as cognitive biases. This infographic explores seven common cognitive…
Nutrition has a fundamental and vital role in contributing to public health. Have you ever wondered how the work of scientists is checked and paid for? Why is some nutrition research behind a paywall? This article describes the ways in which nutrition research can be funded, and explains some aspects…
It's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the impact that our actions are having on the planet's climate. While we grapple with the consequences of our choices as a society, one critical concern that often goes unmentioned is the safety of the food we consume.1 In this article, we will dive…
Recent news stories have reported that eating ultra-processed food increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, based on results from two new research studies. The use of the degree of processing of foods as an indicator of their healthfulness is a hotly debated topic in nutrition and food science.…
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. Not only do these colourful foods add flavour and variety to your meals, but they also pack a powerful nutritional punch, providing vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of eating fruits…
Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and is used to replace sugar and provide sweetness in energy-reduced food, or food with no added sugars. Recent news stories have raised the alarm that aspartame may be linked to cancer, but there are a few…
The EU Commission has released their draft proposal for a reformed regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).1 This article explains what is meant by NGTs and how they are (or can be) used to make agricultural production more sustainable. Potential risks, areas of uncertainty and suggestions for the regulation of…
Η Επιτροπή της ΕΕ ανακοίνωσε τη δημοσίευση ενός σχεδίου πρότασης για έναν αναθεωρημένο κανονισμό για τις Νέες γονιδιωματικές τεχνικές (NGTs) που αναμένεται να δημοσιευθεί στις αρχές Ιουλίου 2023.1 Αυτό το άρθρο εξηγεί τι σημαίνουν οι NGTs και πώς χρησιμοποιούνται (ή μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν) για να γίνει πιο βιώσιμη η αγροτική…
The human body, and mainly the digestive tract, is home to trillions of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as the less known archaea and protozoa, all live side by side in our gut. These tiny living organisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, can have a great impact…
Brussels, 22 June 2023 Due to unhealthy lifestyles, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases – are on the rise, representing by far the leading cause of mortality across the EU. To fight this wave, the EU-funded project Stance4Health has worked during the past…
European project HOLiFOOD to improve food safety and sustainability of the EU food system. Emerging risks in the food chain are increasingly impacting our daily lives. How can food industry and authorities leverage technologies like AI and Big data in the future to improve both the safety, healthiness and sustainability…
The gut microbiome is an essential part of our digestive system that plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. This article will explain how personalised nutrition and functional foods are being studied as tools to positively influence our gut microbiome, as well as their limitations and challenges.…
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health concern globally and their prevalence is increasing due to an increasing life expectancy, growing population, urbanisation and changing lifestyles. Many NCDs are preventable and certain lifestyle changes can reduce our risk of developing them. In this article, we will explore what NCDs…
Diet and food choice play a crucial role in 'feeding' our microbiome- and the trillions of micro-organisms that make up this complex system. To raise awareness of this crucial topic, this year's World Microbiome Day, which takes place once again on June 27th, and is organised by APC Microbiome Ireland…
Each of us contributes to the impact that our food system has on the planet. We can all commit to making the world a healthier place to live, through small but achievable changes to our diets. 1. Eat more fruits and vegetables Fruit and vegetables are good for our health,…
Sweeteners are used in foods to replace sugar and add a sweet taste without (or with very few) calories, are therefore often used by people trying to lose or maintain their weight. However, recent news stories warned against the use of sweeteners, for weight loss. Here are a few things…
DRG4FOOD - Empowering a fair and responsible European FoodRegister, fostering citizen sovereignty and creating a data-driven food system
HOLiFOOD - Holistic approach for tackling food systems risks in a changing global environment
The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) is proud to win the EU4Health (EU4H) Programme operating grant for 2023 as part of the EU's largest programme to boost public health in Europe, supporting the development of stronger, more resilient and more accessible health systems. EU4H is managed by the European Health…
“Avoid all processed foods” – this message seems to be a common response when someone asks how to adopt a healthier diet. The term ‘processed foods’ may bring to mind products such as frozen pizzas, packaged chocolate chip cookies, or ready-made supermarket meals containing many ingredients and food additives. However,…
Right side: Production of Galdieria sulphuraria in a pilot tubular photobioreactor at AlgaePARC (Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands); Left side: hot springs 5 April 2023, Wageningen, Netherlands Researchers from the ProFuture project present the latest findings on extremophile species Galdieria sulphuraria. Researchers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands have…
Cook2DIAbeat - Healthier Eating for Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management: Cocreating a Novel Nutrition Education Program with Culinary Medicine
The EU market for alternative proteins has been growing steadily in recent years, with meat and dairy alternative sales increasing by 10% annually between 2010 and 2020.1 But what are the trending “alternative proteins”? This article explains why we should take them seriously and shows five options that may help…
There has been a lot of talk about lab-grown meat (also called cultivated or cell-based meat) in the news recently. This article explains what it is, how it’s made, and the barriers that will need to be overcome if we’re ever going to find it in supermarkets in Europe. What…
FoodStories: Impactful food science communication
Brussels, 15th March 2023 As rapid digital advancements continue to shape the world we live in, market abuses and social injustices pose a significant threat to consumer rights, both in the physical and virtual worlds. Particularly in sensitive systems like the food chain, data-based approaches are important but not easy…
Recent news stories reported that the low-calorie sweetener erythritol has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Sweeteners, including erythritol, are used in foods to replace sugar and add a sweet taste without (or with very few) calories. So, does this new data suggest we should…
Consumer trust is crucial in advancing the EU towards a healthier, more resilient, equitable, and more sustainable food system. In this context, Dr Laura Fernandez, Director General of EUFIC, presented the TrustTracker® at the 20th Spanish Food Safety & Quality conference, organised by AECOC, the association of manufacturers and distributors,…
Multivitamins: benefits & risks for health
High blood pressure (or hypertension) is one of the most important risk factors for the development of heart disease and stroke. Our blood pressure can be influenced by many things, including our genes, diseases such as kidney disease, medications and lifestyle. For most of us, lifestyle plays the biggest role…
Salt has been used to flavour and preserve foods for thousands of years. We all need some salt for good health, but eating too much can increase our blood pressure, increasing our risk of heart disease. Here we discuss how too much salt can increase blood pressure, the relationship between…
As pulses are an important part of a nutritious, sustainable, as well as affordable diet, the Beans is How campaign pledges to double the global consumption of beans, peas, pulses, lentils and legumes by 2028. This February, EUFIC joined forces with the movement: “EUFIC is delighted to join the Beans…
Algae come in many different shapes and sizes – but while most of us would only recognise a few species, many more are becoming increasingly important organisms for our future. Especially microalgae have a huge potential to be seen much more on our plates – as part of a healthy…
Recent news stories reported that eating grapes could protect against UV damage (UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun) that can increase the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. While it is well known that a diet high in fruit,…
We are a consumer-oriented non-profit association, that makes the science behind food and health more accessible and easier to understand among the public. Our mission is to produce science-based content to inspire and empower healthier and more sustainable diets and lifestyles among European citizens. How do we boost project outreach…
PLAN’EAT - Food Systems Transformation Towards Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Behaviour
FOODPathS - Co-creating the prototype ‘Sustainable FOOD Systems PArTnersHip’
Helping people to improve the healthiness and environmental sustainability of their diets is a global challenge that requires a system’s perspective. Therefore, during EUFIC’s online symposium on the 3rd of November 2022, experts focused on complementary approaches towards behaviour change. They presented recent research on preferences and barriers of consumers…
Recent news stories reported that a low-carbohydrate diet could prevent type 2 diabetes, or even reverse the established disease. Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients in our diet (fat and protein being the others) and represent the most important source of energy for the body. In the past decades,…
They are tiny, invisible, and yet so powerful. We are talking about microbiomes, the communities of microorganisms that inhabit almost every conceivable environment. Microbiomes have a tremendous impact on our lives without us even being aware of them most of the time. Not only do they play a vital role…
Recent news stories reported that alcohol may cut the risk of dementia, stating that ‘beer IS good for you!’ and drinking two pints a day can ‘slash your risk.’ So, should we more regularly catch up with friends over pints or reach for a beer after a long day at…
Brussels, 1 October 2022 - Today, the EU-funded project FoodSafety4EU and the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) launched a social media campaign about food additives, based on an analysis of consumers’ questions and concerns. Although food additives must prove a purpose and undergo strict safety evaluations, they are a source…
Add oil to water and the two liquids will never mix. At least not until an emulsifier is added. Emulsifiers are the key to why the oil doesn’t separate from the vinegar in mayonnaise, why chocolate can be moulded and shaped into different chocolate bars, and why bread doesn’t turn…
Nitrates and nitrites – and particularly their use as food additives – have raised some concerns among consumers for their potential to harm health. But is it true that they are not safe? And what foods are high in nitrate? What are nitrates/nitrites? Simply put, nitrates and nitrites are naturally…
One food ingredient that is commonly on the receiving end of bad press is monosodium glutamate or MSG. However, this is unfounded. MSG can be safely used to add flavour and appeal to foods, and even to reduce sodium levels in foods. This article explores MSG and what the latest…
Preservation techniques have been used as far back as the 14th century when man first used salt (salting) and smoke (curing) to stop meat and fish from going bad. Nowadays, the use of food additive preservatives has become an indispensable part of the food we eat. Despite a number of…
Wine is a popular alcoholic beverage with consumption reaching to almost fifteen litres per person just last year. However, for some it may not be all sunshine and rainbows, complaining later from headaches, stomach pains, hives, and other unpleasant side effects. The sulphites in wine are often blamed for these…
Valencia, 27 September 2022 - Roughly 1/3 of the food produced in the world for human consumption is lost or wasted. To drive attention to this urgent issue, the World Sustainable Urban Food Centre of València (CEMAS) organised jointly with the Sabri-Ülker Foundation from Turkey and the European Food Information…
Amino acids that can be produced by the body and therefore do not need to come from the diet.
Recent news stories reported that women who follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to suffer hip fractures than those who eat meat, suggesting nutritional deficiencies and lower body mass index (BMI) as possible causes. Meatless diets are becoming increasingly popular in Western countries, possibly due to increasing evidence of…
RESTRUCTURE - Developing and implementing innovative and evidence-based food design principles to moderate energy intake
STANCE4HEALTH - Smart Technologies for personAlised Nutrition and Consumer Engagement