Too many food labels in the EU are confusing and sometimes misleading

At the EU level, negotiations about introducing a single European food label, the so-called Nutriscore, have been ongoing for years. Initially, there seemed to be prospect for this, but several countries still oppose it.

The European Court of Auditors states that the confusion "is worsened by the increasing number of labels, logos, and voluntary declarations used to attract consumers." Some of these claims can be not only confusing but also misleading, the auditors warn. 

For example, EU rules allow the use of nutritional and health claims even for products high in fat, sugar, or salt, so sugar-containing products such as energy bars can be advertised as having high health benefits.

EU regulations have not adapted to a constantly evolving market, leaving approximately 450 million European consumers vulnerable to misleading messages. The imposed fines, the auditors added, are not always sufficient to prevent abuse.

A business spokesperson said it is the task and responsibility of producers and suppliers to properly inform buyers and customers. Brussels says that it is forbidden “to provide misleading food information.”

The non-governmental organization "foodwatch international" believes Brussels should mandate the Nutri-Score as a compulsory, harmonized, and EU-wide food label or allow EU countries to implement such a system at the national level.