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The Slow Food movement and the fair trade movements have in the past been described as lifestyle movements and defined and understood in terms of their lack of explicit political commitments. In this article we consider the extent to which this view is still true today, drawing on the concept of polycentricity to describe and reflect on the activities of these polycentrically organized movements. The theoretically informed discussion we provide offers a nuanced account of each movement and its effort to engage in different kinds of activities in different contexts that all contribute to advancing its vision. We argue that while activities typical of lifestyle movements are still common in both movements, their overall orientations are more explicitly political than they perhaps once were. While some political activity is local and intended to bring about fairly limited reforms, both movements seek more transformative change at the national and EU levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of tropane alkaloids (TAs), toxic plant metabolites, in food in Europe was studied to identify those TAs in food most relevant for human health. Information was extracted from the literature and the 2016 study from the European Food Safety Authority. Calystegines were identified as being inherent TAs in foods common in Europe, such as Solanum tuberosum (potato), S. melongena (eggplant, aubergine), Capsicum annuum (bell pepper) and Brassica oleracea (broccoli, Brussels sprouts). In addition, some low-molecular-weight tropanes and Convolvulaceae-type TAs were found inherent to bell pepper. On the other hand, atropine, scopolamine, convolvine, pseudotropine and tropine were identified as emerging TAs resulting from the presence of associated weeds in food. The most relevant food products in this respect are unprocessed and processed cereal-based foods for infants, young children or adults, dry (herbal) teas and canned or frozen vegetables. Overall, the occurrence data on both inherent as well as on associated TAs in foods are still scarce, highlighting the need for monitoring data. It also indicates the urge for food safety authorities to work with farmers, plant breeders and food business operators to prevent the spreading of invasive weeds and to increase awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety and quality concern increasingly both consumers and the entire food sector involved. The European Union has implemented specific legislation for food products in order to monitor food safety and quality, protecting each country's culture, history and local economy at the same time. Moreover, Europe's heritage is being enriched, by establishing quality schemes such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Europe's interest and concern regarding food safety proved also by Framework Program 5 Horizon 2020 continuous funding.Food traceability as well as food authentication constitute inseparable parts of food safety and quality. This systematic review presents innovative research technologies which are used in Europe for food traceability and authentication and published within the period 2010–2018. Moreover, information about the method used, the country of origin, the food type and the level of food process, are provided.This paper offers a new possible approach regarding the combination of the existing definitions of food traceability and authentication, as far as food provenance is concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the relationship between market concentration and diversity, as indicators of market structure, and the healthiness of food and beverage sales across Europe.Design: Market share (MS) data per country were used to calculate market concentration, assessed by the four-firm concentration ratio and market diversity, and by the number of companies with ≥1 % MS and the number of companies uniquely present in one European country. The healthiness of food sales was assessed by applying the NOVA classification (level of processing). Simple and multiple linear regressions were performed to assess the relationship between market concentration, diversity and the healthiness of food and beverage sales.Setting: The European single market.Participants: The twenty-seven European single market member states for which Euromonitor sales data were available at the most fine-grained Euromonitor packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage product subcategory level.Results: Increased market concentration with a country and a product category fixed effect significantly predicted increased sales of ultra-processed packaged food products. There was insufficient data variability in the level of processing of non-alcoholic beverage product categories to formulate conclusions for non-alcoholic beverages. Increased market diversity in turn significantly predicted reduced country-level sales of ultra-processed products.Conclusions: The results indicated a relationship between market structure and the healthiness of packed food products sold on the European market. However, more research with detailed nutritional data is warranted to document and quantify this interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of insects for food and feed purposes is rapidly emerging in Europe, filling an important niche of locally supplied protein and fat sources with improved environmental sustainability. Processing of insect biomass is becoming of utmost importance to fulfill the requirements for safe edible biomass and find efficient ways to reduce potential biological and chemical hazards. Current methods of insect biomass processing, well-developed, and established in food and feed industry, rely on thermal treatment (blanching, boiling, drying, cooling, freezing, freeze drying), mechanical (grinding, pressing, milling), and fractionation processes (extraction, purification, separation, centrifugation). This article summarizes and reviews recent activities performed by different interdisciplinary research groups dealing with insect drying. The diverse techniques for insect drying are discussed with the objective of identifying the ones with the highest economic, environmental, and social potential. Moreover, the quality attributes of insects dried with different methods (starting from simple sun drying and finishing with Pulsed Electric Fields enhanced lyophilization) are analyzed. Finally, selected legal aspects concerning usage of dried insects as food are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible insects are an alternative protein source with environmental, social and health benefits. Insect-based products (IBPs), considered as Novel Foods by the EU legislation, are mainly sold on the EU market through e-commerce. In this study, the current situation of the EU IBPs e-commerce was characterized by i) identifying Food Business Operators involved in the selling and ii) assessing the IBPs' compliance to the EU labelling requirements. Overall, 26 e-commerce platforms were identified, mainly with head offices located in North and Central Europe and 656 IBPs proposed to be sold online were found. Most of IBPs consisted of whole insects (54.9%), followed by protein products (9.5%) and powder insects (8.1%). IBPs made with House cricket (A. domesticus) (50.2%) were the most represented. Overall, only 3.4% of the IBPs were fully compliant with the EU labeling requirements. The high level of non-compliance was mainly related to the absence, incompleteness or inaccuracy of the " additional specific labelling requirements " imposed by Implementing Regulations authorizing the placing on the EU market of IBPs, probably due to their recent entrance in force. Among these, issues related to allergens' declaration observed in many IBPs reflected possible safety implication for consumers. This study, by providing useful data on the FBOs involved in e-commerce of IBPs and describing the main IBPs categories sold on the EU online market, could also support the Competent Authorities towards more targeted official control activities. • Insect-based products (IBPs) sold on EU e-commerce platforms were selected. • The compliance of IBPs labelling information to EU legislation was assessed. • Most IBPs were non-compliant, especially respect to requirements of CIRs. • Outcomes from this study could support official controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background As the largest study of its kind to date, this article aims to describe the scope, trends over time, socio-demographic risk groups and the association with different progressive regulations relating to workplace second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in 29 European countries during a period of high regulatory action. Methods Three waves of the European Working Conditions Surveys (2005, 2010 and 2015) were evaluated, including a total of 95 718 workers. The samples are representative for all employed residents of the 29 countries included. All interviews were conducted face-to-face at respondents' homes (computer-assisted personal interviews). SHS exposure among the overall working population of 29 countries—including smokers—was examined. Workplace regimes were grouped corresponding to the sub-scale 'workplace' as used in the Tobacco Control Scale. Results Between 2005 and 2015, SHS exposure in the European countries declined from around 19.0% (95% CI 16.1–22.0) to 9.9% (8.3–11.5). High SHS-exposure was reported by workers with the lowest level of education [11.5% (9.7–13.2)], among high-skilled manual labourers [14.3% (12.1–16.4)] and among those without a standard employment contract [11.2% (9.3–13.1)]. The highest exposure was reported by workers in the food service industry [19.7% (16.8–22.6)]. Countries with less workplace-related smoking prevention regulations were found to have the highest overall levels of exposure. Conclusion This multinational series of cross-sectional surveys on the trends in passive smoking in the workplace have shown that countries with more comprehensive workplace smoking bans overall report lower levels of SHS exposure among their work force as compared with slow progressing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) introduced harmonised epidemiological indicators (HEIs) for pigs to be utilised as part of the risk-based meat inspection within the meat safety assurance framework. However, the application of HEIs is not regulated by law. HEIs enable risk categorisation of farms regarding the main foodborne biological hazards associated with pigs and pork in Europe: Salmonella , Yersinia enterocolitica , Toxoplasma gondii , Trichinella and Cysticercus cellulosae. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the current implementation of HEIs for pigs in Europe and was targeted at official veterinarians and food business operators experienced or involved in the official monitoring and surveillance at abattoirs. The study examined which of the HEIs for pigs were applied by asking for i) the corresponding private and/or official monitoring and surveillance systems (MoSSs) in place, ii) the stages at which the testing was conducted, iii) the diagnostic methods and iv) the sample materials used. In general, 88% of the respondents stated monitoring for Salmonella , 10% for Yersinia enterocolitica , 2% for Toxoplasma gondii , 90% for Trichinella and 31% for Cysticercus cellulosae was in place. In most cases, MoSSs for Salmonella , Trichinella and Cysticercus cellulosae were in place at abattoir level. Monitoring for these pathogens at abattoir level is already regulated by EU legislation. When corresponding HEIs for a regulated pathogen existed, they largely overlapped with the testing regime of the MoSSs. HEIs for the same pathogens that focus on a different stage of the food chain were mostly declared by respondents to not have been implemented; the same situation was found with HEIs for the other pig-associated hazards, Yersinia enterocolitica and Toxoplasma gondii. The results also revealed some alarming inconsistencies in the mandatory monitoring prescribed by EU regulations. Some respondents demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding diagnostic procedures, failing to correctly match diagnostic methods with the appropriate sample materials or vice versa. While HEIs provide valuable data, especially in terms of a novel risk-based meat safety assurance system, this survey showed that they are currently underutilised for pigs in Europe. • HEIs are useful as part of the risk-based meat safety assurance system. • HEIs enable risk categorisation of pig farms and abattoirs. • HEIs for pigs that are equivalent to testing regulated by law were mostly implemented. • Additional HEIs for pigs are underutilised and not implemented properly in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Withdrawal periods after antimicrobial treatment have been defined as preventing in meat the presence of residues above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). However, errors can lead to residues above MRLs. The RIBMINS COST Action network investigated the question of how detection and handling are applied in different countries, and what the best practices may be, when balancing consumer safety with EU policy on minimising food waste. Two questionnaires were developed focusing on pigs, targeting the competent authority and the food business operator. The survey was undertaken in spring 2022 and resulted in 78 answers representing 27 countries. The results showed that most countries operate their system as a kind of monitoring, where the tested carcass is not detained. We suggest two best practice models where Model A (monitoring) could reflect small abattoirs placing meat on the national market, whereas Model B (surveillance) could reflect abattoirs also trading and exporting. In Model A, detection of a residue above the MRL is interpreted in the same way as a process hygiene criterion, requires on-farm inspection to correct mistakes only, and therefore no retention of tested carcases. In Model B, detection of a residue above the MRL is interpreted as a food safety criterion, requires on-farm inspection and the tested carcass is retained to avoid expensive recalls in case residues are found. • Residues of antimicrobials unwanted in meat, still present occasionally. • Survey in 27 countries shows variation in handling and control in pigs. • Two complementary Best Practice models suggested aiming at harmonisation. • Models will ensure low amount of food waste in a safe and responsible way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modern risk-based meat safety assurance system (RB-MSAS) for poultry includes information systems to better adapt to risks for meat safety. Food Chain Information (FCI) according to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 includes data on animal health, laboratory test results and further information that is relevant for consumer protection. FCI has to be transferred from the farm to the abattoir where the data analysis leads to adaptations of the slaughter process and/or meat inspection. As the EU regulation describes the required FCI imprecisely and without recommendations for meaningful reactions to specific information, implementation differs between European countries and even between abattoirs within one country. To assess the status quo of transfer, use and the usefulness of FCI in Europe, we conducted a survey on FCI for broilers among European stakeholders. The answers of 32 respondents, working in 14 different European countries as official veterinarians/meat inspection officers, food business operators/quality assurance managers, or in other positions in broiler meat hygiene, were included in the analysis. Overall, 75% (24/32) of the respondents stated they find FCI helpful for decision-making. All respondents (56%, 18/32) with electronic access to FCI find the transmission procedure practical. Most respondents get information about previous ante-mortem (81%, 26/32) and post-mortem (91%, 29/32) inspection results for flocks from the same holding of provenance. Likewise, most respondents receive data on mortality rate (88%, 28/32) and veterinary medications with a withdrawal period that have been administered during the fattening period (84%, 27/32). Overall, 53% of the respondents indicated that the entire fattening period would be the optimal relevant period for recording the administration of veterinary medications with a withdrawal period. In addition to this information, the respondents desired to have more data about further treatment (28%, 9/32) and data from the private veterinarian responsible for the farm (25%, 8/32). Knowledge of these data especially led to various measures being initiated at the abattoir, according to the respondents. In contrast, some specific production data were reported as also an important part of FCI, even though these data have little impact on the measures to protect human health that are taken in the slaughter process or at post-mortem inspection. All respondents transferred information about findings in the abattoir back to the farmers: these data were ante-mortem (72%, 23/32) and post-mortem (100%, 32/32) inspection results as well as further information (28%, 6/32). Our study shows that FCI for broilers is already widely successfully established as part of the RB-MSAS in Europe. Important information, like the ante- and post-mortem inspection results, is mostly available. Recommendations for improvement and for data to be included based on our study and literature are, inter alia: electronic data transfer; on-farm mortality; diseases occurring on-farm, especially those shortly before slaughter; all data on treatment with veterinary medications; EFSA's harmonised epidemiological indicators and; specific production data. Further studies are needed to gain a deeper understanding of correlations between ante-mortem data for the flock and findings at post-mortem inspection. Specific measures to be taken as a result of incoming information need to be stipulated in order that FCI is used more efficiently as a risk assessment tool in RB-MSAS. • FCI is a crucial part of the risk-based meat safety assurance system. • FCI for broilers is widely successfully implemented in Europe. • The data required in FCI needs to be clearly specified for harmonisation purposes. • Electronic data transfer must be implemented. • Administered treatments must be part of FCI for the entire fattening period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for more environmentally sustainable diets is clear and urgent; it is predicted that we will need two planets to feed the Earth's population by 2050. Adopting more environmentally sustainable behaviours has become increasingly popular in the last decade, both at an individual and institutional level. However, whilst sustainability is now a mainstream issue, the perceived impracticalities that are attributed to more environmentally sustainable actions can act as a barrier to the widespread adoption of sustainable lifestyles and dietary behaviours in the general population. This study sought to observe the degree to which an in‐house Sustainability Toolkit and Sustainability Challenge can encourage the adoption of environmentally sustainable dietary and lifestyle behaviours by employees of a European food company. Eight employees participated in a successful pilot Sustainability Challenge, yielding greater feelings of empowerment and motivation in acting more sustainably. A full company rollout is now planned, and it is hoped that the Sustainability Toolkit and Sustainability Challenge will encourage current and future employees to adopt more environmentally sustainable lifestyles and dietary behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Celtic site of the Heuneburg (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany) has long been understood as a hallmark of early urbanization in Central Europe. The rich collection of Mediterranean imports recovered from the settlement, the elite burials in its surroundings and the Mediterranean-inspired mudbrick fortification wall further point to the importance of intercultural connections with the Mediterranean as a crucial factor in the transformation of Early Iron Age societies. We describe a new facet of this process by studying the transformation of consumption practices, especially drinking habits, brought about by intercultural encounters from the late 7th to the 5th century BC through the analysis of organic remains in 133 ceramic vessels found at the Heuneburg using Organic Residue Analysis (ORA). During the Ha D1 phase, fermented beverages, including Mediterranean grape wine, were identified in and appear to have been consumed from local handmade ceramics. The latter were recovered from different status-related contexts within the Heuneburg, suggesting an early and well-established trade/exchange system of this Mediterranean product. This contrasts with the results obtained for the drinking and serving vessels from the Ha D3 phase that were studied. The consumption of fermented beverages (wine and especially bacteriofermented products) appears to have been concentrated on the plateau. The ORA analyses presented here seem to indicate that during this time, grape wine was consumed primarily from imported vessels, and more rarely from local prestigious fine wheel-made vessels. In addition to imported wine, we demonstrate the consumption of a wide variety of foodstuffs, such as animal fats (especially dairy products), millet, plant oils and waxy plants, fruit and beehive products as well as one or several other fermented beverage(s) that were probably locally produced. Through this diachronic study of vessel function from different intra-site contexts, we inform on changing and status-related practices of food processing and consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The production and consumption of cherries has increased recently due to consumer awareness of their health benefits, since they are rich in polyphenolics (namely anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids). Global sweet cherry production increased over the last 16 years from 1.9 to 2.32 million tons, with Turkey, USA, Iran, as the main producers. Sour cherry production has been static during the same period at around 1.1–1.3 million tons concentrated in Europe, with the Russian Federation as the predominant producer. Scope and approach This review presents a comprehensive survey of the current literature on sweet and sour cherries, from the origin and distribution of the fruit crop to their antioxidant and health properties. Moreover, possible further investigations are highlighted after summarizing the existing body of knowledge. Key findings and conclusions Sweet cherries are mostly consumed fresh, and are also highly perishable, whereas sour cherries are most frequently processed. Sweet cherries are appreciated for their organoleptic aspects, such as taste, texture and color, whereas processed sour cherries are recognized for their higher bioactive content. Both sweet and sour cherries exert beneficial health effects to counteract oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, modulate blood glucose, and enhance cognitive function. Sour cherries supplementation in particular, has been reported to benefit in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. The health benefits derived from consuming cherries should increase this fruit tree crop cultivation and improve the agricultural practices and food processing technology to provide consistent and reliable supply of these fruits. Highlights • Sweet cherries production has increased, while sour cherries has remained static. • Cherries contain high level of polyphenolics (anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids). • Sweet and sour cherries exert beneficial health effects. • Among other health benefits, cherries counteract oxidative stress and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse the scope and content of the nutrition pledge announced by Lidl.Design: We applied the approach recommended by the private-sector module of the INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity Research, Monitoring and Action Support) food environment monitoring framework and qualitative content analysis to Lidl's nutrition pledge.Setting: Global.Subjects: The nutrition pledge of Lidl, Europe's largest food retailer.Results: Lidl pledges to reduce the average sales-weighted content of added sugar and added salt in its own-brand products by 20 % until 2025, using 2015 as a baseline, starting in Germany. Moreover, it vows to reduce the saturated and trans-fatty acid contents of its own-brand products, without specifying targets or timelines. To achieve these targets, it pledges to apply a number of approaches, including reformulation, promotion of healthier products, reduction of package and portion sizes, and provision of nutrition information and education. Strengths of Lidl's pledge are its extensive scope, the quantification of some targets, and its partially evidence-based approach to the selection of targets and interventions. Key limitations include the vagueness of many targets, a lack of transparency and the absence of independent monitoring and evaluation.Conclusions: Lidl's pledge, while commendable for its scope, does not meet current best practice guidelines. Given their current limitations, industry initiatives of this kind are likely to fall short of what is needed to improve population-level nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral bioaccessibility of several essential and toxic elements was investigated in raw and cooked commercially available seafood species from European markets. Bioaccessibility varied between seafood species and elements. Methylmercury bioaccessibility varied between 10 (octopus) and 60% (monkfish). Arsenic (>64%) was the toxic element showing the highest bioaccessibility. Concerning essential elements bioaccessibility in raw seafood, selenium (73%) and iodine (71%) revealed the highest percentages. The bioaccessibility of elements in steamed products increased or decreased according to species. For example, methylmercury bioaccessibility decreased significantly after steaming in all species, while zinc bioaccessibility increased in fish (tuna and plaice) but decreased in molluscs (mussel and octopus). Together with human exposure assessment and risk characterization, this study could contribute to the establishment of new maximum permissible concentrations for toxic elements in seafood by the European food safety authorities, as well as recommended intakes for essential elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has been designed to examine incorporation of 7, 10 and 15% olive oil in milk-based media by using ultrasound (US) at 24 kHz, for 3 min in order to form new dairy-based, emulsifier-free emulsions. The prepared emulsions were characterized in terms of the emulsion capacity and stability, creaming index, zeta potential, droplet size, color and rheological analysis. The morphology of the emulsions was examined under the fluorescence microscope to evaluate the changes caused by US. The peroxide value and fatty acid composition were determined. After the treatment, application of the US increased the stability of emulsions. A decrease in the creaming index and droplet size and an increase in the zeta potential were observed. All the emulsions exhibited a weak gel structure. The fluorescence microscope images showed that the US decreased the size of oil droplet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High pressure processing (HPP) is a novel food processing technology that uses minimal heat and preservatives. It can inactivate a variety of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria to ensure safe foods and extend shelf life by maintaining nutritional and sensory attributes. The present investigation studied the effects of HPP (200, 400, 600 MPa; 5, 10 min; room temperature) on the following parameters: contents of carotenoids and vitamin E and antioxidant capacity (AOC) in spinach and rosehip puree; chlorophyll contents in spinach and in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids in rosehip puree. Contents of carotenoids, chlorophylls and vitamin E were determined by HPLC. AOC was analysed by several assays (total phenolics, TEAC, ORAC). In spinach, HPP led to a significant increase of the content of carotenoids, chlorophylls and vitamin E, probably due to an increased extractability. Total carotenoid content in rosehip puree was almost unchanged by HPP with single carotenoids behaving differently. The in vitro digestion model showed that 42.2 ± 7.4% of the total carotenoids of the rosehip puree was released and is potentially available for absorption. HPP had no significant effect on the bioaccessibility of total carotenoids. No distinct trend for the effects of HPP on the tocopherol contents in both food samples could be deduced. Mostly, no changes were induced by pressure. In both plant foods, the AOC was retained. The results provide further scientific evidence of the benefits of HPP in retaining micronutrients and phytochemical properties of plant foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Quality Management Framework to improve quality and harmonization of Total Diet Study practices in Europe was developed within the TDS-Exposure Project. Seventeen processes were identified and hazards, Critical Control Points and associated preventive and corrective measures described. The Total Diet Study process was summarized in a flowchart divided into planning and practical (sample collection, preparation and analysis; risk assessment analysis and publication) phases. Standard Operating Procedures were developed and implemented in pilot studies in five organizations. The flowchart was used to develop a quality framework for Total Diet Studies that could be included in formal quality management systems. Pilot studies operated by four project partners were visited by project assessors who reviewed implementation of the proposed framework and identified areas that could be improved. The quality framework developed can be the starting point for any Total Diet Study centre and can be used within existing formal quality management approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Official food control laboratories in Germany have established internal action values for the assessment of analytical results of food allergens especially obtained from samples without declaration of the specified allergen. A pragmatic approach was chosen considering the current situation for European food information legislation. Accordingly, when a positive result is obtained for an unlabeled allergen, it is not necessarily an irregularity if it can be demonstrated that the result was caused by cross-contamination. Action values take into account current analytical experiences as well as published allergologic reference doses. They are considered as internal de minimis thresholds by food control authorities that are used to support laboratories in the decision-making process and when a written expert opinion is requested by an enforcement authority. If only minor traces are detected at concentrations below the action values, further investigation of the issue and inspections at the location of manufacture can be abandoned. The present report includes a collection of results from official food control laboratories in Germany that have been evaluated in line with the aforementioned system of action levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food allergens and intolerances have been diagnosed by doctors for decades, but have received heightened attention in the last two decades because diagnosis and awareness have increased. Consequently, regulators in many jurisdictions have addressed this topic by introducing labeling requirements for substances causing allergies and intolerance reactions in affected individuals. Mandatory labeling of food allergens allows persons suffering from these to make informed choices. However, regulations in some geographic areas have resulted in significant problems for manufacturers as well as consumers. This has been mainly due to frequent changes and amendments, and it has been difficult for all stakeholders to follow and understand the status quo of legislation. The present paper describes the development of European directives and regulations for the labeling of food allergens and intolerances to substances like gluten over the past decades and provides an outlook of what can reasonably be expected to change in the coming years. It also identifies existing gaps, like a lack of threshold levels for adventitious contamination and consequently a proliferation of precautionary allergen labeling, which neither benefits the consumer nor the food industry in its current form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess household availability of NOVA food groups in nineteen European countries and to analyse the association between availability of ultra-processed foods and prevalence of obesity.Design: Ecological, cross-sectional study.Setting: Europe.Subjects: Estimates of ultra-processed foods calculated from national household budget surveys conducted between 1991 and 2008. Estimates of obesity prevalence obtained from national surveys undertaken near the budget survey time.Results: Across the nineteen countries, median average household availability amounted to 33·9 % of total purchased dietary energy for unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 20·3 % for processed culinary ingredients, 19·6 % for processed foods and 26·4 % for ultra-processed foods. The average household availability of ultra-processed foods ranged from 10·2 % in Portugal and 13·4 % in Italy to 46·2 % in Germany and 50·4 % in the UK. A significant positive association was found between national household availability of ultra-processed foods and national prevalence of obesity among adults. After adjustment for national income, prevalence of physical inactivity, prevalence of smoking, measured or self-reported prevalence of obesity, and time lag between estimates on household food availability and obesity, each percentage point increase in the household availability of ultra-processed foods resulted in an increase of 0·25 percentage points in obesity prevalence.Conclusions: The study contributes to a growing literature showing that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Its findings reinforce the need for public policies and actions that promote consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and make ultra-processed foods less available and affordable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of foods with added phytosterols (plant sterols and stanols, PS) known to lower elevated blood cholesterol is available on the European market. This paper reports findings from a 2015 post-launch monitoring survey on consumer purchase behaviour of foods with added PS in UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Greece. Data from 80,825 households were included. Households were divided into categories depending on number of purchases, household size, age of primary shopper and presence of children <5 years. Penetration rates of households purchasing foods with added PS ranged between 3 and 34%. Of households purchasing PS, 34–61% purchased infrequently (≤2 times/year), 29–36% occasionally (

This introduction examines how food and foodways were used in Russia and in the Communist Bloc nations of Eastern and Central Europe as a means of envisioning and implementing the idea of a utopian future in the here and now. In the case of Russia, food imagery had been utilized in nineteenth-century literature to imagine the ideal community, which became a political and economic necessity after the October Revolution of 1917. Loudly proclaimed ideals of modernity and progress required tangible results, such as an abundance of cheap and healthy food. Local variants of this followed the spread of Soviet influence to Eastern Europe after World War II. Here new foodways and technologies were likewise introduced in order to create the "dreamworlds" of the future. The fall of communism (1989-91) brought about the need to reimagine culinary landscapes, both as a critique of socialism and--later--as a response to twenty-first-century globalization and homogenization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food environments are potential targets for interventions to reduce obesity prevalence, particularly in island settings that are typically dependent on food imports. This observational study aimed to characterise the availability, quality and price of foods and beverages in a nationally representative sample of grocery stores in Malta using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores (NEMS-S) instrument, and to examine the association between area-level density of different types of food stores and the likelihood of children living in these areas being overweight or obese. Fieldwork was carried out between March and May 2014. There was a strong positive correlation between store size and NEMS-S score (p = <0.001), suggesting that smaller grocery stores generally offered a smaller range of products and fewer healthy food/beverage options than larger supermarkets. Across all stores, median prices of certain ‘healthier’ versions of foods were more expensive than their less healthy alternatives. A significant association between risk of childhood overweight, and density of confectionery stores in children’s locality of residence, was found (OR 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.37). These baseline findings highlight opportunities to improve the food environment in Malta to support more healthful eating, and may be of particular interest to public health practitioners in island settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the idea of exploiting edible insects for their industrial production has attracted the attention of media, research institutions and food industry operators, because of the numerous positive factors associated with this food source. Notwithstanding, insects are still underutilized in Western countries. Moreover, edible insects are carriers of natural microorganisms; hence, safety issues may arise from their industrial production. This study was aimed at providing insight into the proximate composition, with a focus in the fatty acid and amino acid composition, and microbial diversity of some processed edible insects marketed in the European Union. A high content of protein and fat was seen, with values ranging from 59.46 to 46.78 and 35.32 to 15.18%, respectively, with nutritionally valuable characteristics in both the lipid fractions and amino acid profiles. Furthermore, a great variation in microbial counts was seen. Both commensal and potential pathogenic microorganisms ascribed to the genera Pediococcus, Weissella, Streptomyces, Acinetobacter, Agrococcus, Arthrobacter, Naxibacter, Planomicrobium, Rufibacter, Bacillus, Clostridium, Vibrio, Desulfovibrio, Loktanella, Escherichia, Tetrapisispora, Aspergillus, Eurotium, Debaryomyces, and Wallemia, were identified by PCR-DGGE. The high diversity in the chemical composition and microbial profile of the marketed edible insects analyzed suggest a role of both the rearing and processing procedures on these variables. The results overall collected encourage the exploitation of edible insects as a valuable large-scale, animal-based commodity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitiveness of a product is a main factor for its commercial success in the market with a large number of manufacturers of similar products. The article describes features of assessment and analysis of food enterprises products. It offers an evaluation algorithm and the ways of competitiveness improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of food marketing on children in Europe across both traditional broadcast and digital media. Topics discussed include the World Health Organization (WHO) Set of Recommendations on the Marketing of Foods and Non-alcoholic beverages to Children, the level of exposure to marketing, and advertising expenditure by the food industry.

The contribution of the European food sector to the total amount of greenhouse gases emissions is equal to one fifth. Footprint indicators together with Life Cycle Assessment have emerged to be useful tools to analyze and report environmental performance. In this paper the environmental impact of aged vinegar produced from Grechetto and Sagrantino grapes varieties is analyzed. Life Cycle Assessment of wine is performed to calibrate the model. Impact assessment is studied evaluating: carbon footprint, ecological footprint, water footprint, acidification, eutrophication, ozone layer depletion, photochemical oxidation. The new approach proposed in this paper leads to the obtainment of a complete analysis of the impact of aged vinegar, which can help a small farm choose more sustainable production methods, also optimizing logistics. This is the scientific added value of the work. The results show that aged vinegar has a carbon footprint comprised between 1.94 and 2.54 kg CO 2 /l. The Ecological footprint of aged vinegar varies between 9.83 and 13.23 g m 2 /kg. The Water Footprint of aged vinegar varies between 1332 and 1892 l/l. The water scarcity weighted water footprint methods available in the software SimaPro 8 give different results depending on their assumptions. These can be useful for comparative studies between different products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the main tools for communicating benefit-risk medicines information to patients that are used, or could be used, by pharmaceutical regulators. One highly successful tool from the food safety sector (front-of-package traffic-light labelling) and the mental models approach (which provides a framework for developing new tools) are also reviewed as they show great promise for being usefully adapted to the pharmaceutical context. The evolution of benefit-risk medicines communication is first contextualised within the broader risk communication literature. Three distinct goals are then made explicit before critically examining the evidence for and against tools developed in the US (e.g. at the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]) and Europe (e.g. at the European Medicines Agency [EMA]). These goals are (i) sharing information (e.g. publishing clinical trial and adverse event data online); (ii) changing patients' beliefs by conveying factual knowledge (e.g. patient information leaflets and the drugs facts box); and (iii) changing behaviour (e.g. patient alert cards and warning labels). The mental models approach and traffic-light labelling, developed outside the pharmaceutical context, are then examined. Ultimately, the paper provides a helicopter view of the variety of benefit-risk communication tools that are used, or could be used, by pharmaceutical regulators in the US and Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudan derivatives are widely used as dyes for foods, textiles, plastics, paper, and cosmetics. The wavenumbers in the maximum of the electronic absorption bands of two Sudan derivatives in solvents with varying physicochemical properties were correlated with microscopic and macroscopic parameters of solution components. The molecular parameters of the Sudan derivatives in the excited state were estimated using solvatochromic and quantum-mechanical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years, the growing interest for well-being and healthy lifestyle together with an increasing awareness of the close relationship between food and health have boosted the production of an increasing number of novel goods to be placed in both gluten-containing and gluten-free products market. The objective of this study was to provide a realistic and detailed overview of the current bread-market supply in order to evaluate the overall quality of the available offer in this prioritized food industry area. Twenty commercial breads consisting of gluten (n = 10) and gluten-free (n = 10) samples currently available in the European market have been assessed by physical-chemical, technological, nutritional, and sensory determinations. The quality parameters obtained were related to each other by using Pearson correlations, while sample classification was achieved by applying factor analysis. Higher values for protein and bio-accessible polyphenols content, aroma and taste quality, and low and moderate expected glycaemic index corresponded to gluten containing breads. Although the main distinction was between gluten and gluten-free samples as it was expected, classification of breads allowed differentiating samples with different formulations in terms of presence/absence of alternative, innovative, and nutrient-dense raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a survey approach to measuring the "transaction footprints" of rural small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Combined with a graphical presentation of results, this contributes to the evidence base on the roles of local and global linkages. Findings suggest that the food and drink industry of Scotland is relatively localised in its input and sales interaction pattern, although substantial variations, associated with product specialisms, remoteness/ accessibility, input purchasing and marketing strategies, exist. Localised SMEs have weathered the recession slightly better, but more outward-looking in firms tend to have greater optimism about the future. Transaction footprint analysis should be viewed as component of an ongoing process of re-mapping the network infrastructure of the rural economy, alongside analysis of untraded interdependencies, and institutional networks in the realm of governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a critical review of recent research on the consumption of 'convenience' food, highlighting the contested nature of the term and exploring its implications for public health and environmental sustainability. It distinguishes between convenience food in general and particular types of convenience food, such as ready-meals, tracing the structure and growth of the market for such foods with a particular emphasis on the UK which currently has the highest rate of ready-meal consumption in Europe. Having established the definitional complexities of the term, the paper presents the evidence from a systematic review of the literature, highlighting the significance of convenience food in time-saving and time-shifting, the importance of recent changes in domestic labour and family life, and the way the consumption of convenience food is frequently moralized. The paper shows how current debates about convenience food are part of a longer discursive history about food, health and nutrition. It discusses current levels of public understanding about the links between convenience food, environmental sustainability and food waste. The paper concludes by making a case for understanding the consumption of convenience food in terms of everyday social practices, emphasising its habitual and routine character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features new European food and feed publications. New publications presented include "Economic Liberalization and Agricultural Policies in the Context of Planning," by Ray Prabuddha and Chowdhury Sarthak in September 2015 issue of "Economic Affairs," and "Some Considerations on the World Agri-Food Trade and the Position of the EU-28," by Agatha Popescu in Volume 15 Issue 4 of Scientific Papers Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development."

The article discusses the judgment of the European Court of Justice on the registration of the four-finger shape of chocolate bar Kit Kat from food processor Nestlé. Topics discussed include referral by High Court of Justice of England and Wales to European Court of Justice, Article 3(1) of Directive 2008/95/CE noted by Court of Justice, and European Court of Justice confirmed refusal of registration of a sign that consists of a shape attributable solely to the technical result.

The Italian agri-food sector has traditionally been one of the strongest in the national socio-economic system. In the last ten years, commercial exchange trends have shown growing openness towards foreign countries and in particular to European Union (EU) countries. Both the primary sector and food industry are strongly influenced by their territorial location so much so that several authors have highlighted territorial specialisation and its effects on that territory's features also considering the contribution of the Italian Regions. The following work will analyse the patterns of agri-food specialisation in the Italian Regions. In particular, the Lafay Index will be used to evaluate competitive advantag e at a Regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses notifications to the European Commission (EC) under the Directive 98/34/EC regarding procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations. Topics discussed include the requirements on meat, meat products, fishery and aquaculture products, medicinal products containing antibiotics and sale of small quantities of poultry meat.

Public food safety authorities in Europe and elsewhere have recently developed forms of coordination and collaboration with private compliance systems in the monitoring and enforcement of public food safety laws. Such policies bring with them the risk of regulatory capture, loss of transparency and fuzzy accountability relationships. In this paper we analyse how the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) assesses and monitors the functioning of private food safety control systems so it can use these private systems in its own enforcement activities. We do so by discussing two national private systems that have been formally accepted by the NVWA and are as such subject to its meta-control. The article examines the safeguards that the public enforcement agency uses while coordinating its own activities with private food safety controls, the advantages and risks involved in this strategy, and the extent to which this policy can be improved. From this we draw lessons for public agencies elsewhere willing to engage with private compliance mechanisms. The study is based on the analysis of policy documents, public and private regulation and open-ended interviews with representatives of the public and private sector in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several issues related to food laws implemented by the European Commission. Topics covered include the amendment in the reporting periods of holding dialogues with industry operators. Also mentioned are details about the proposal to change the decree on food hygiene at notified food premises.

The article discusses the ruling of the European Court of Justice on a case concerning the presentation of foodstuff in the region. Topics covered include the implications of the case for the appropriate labeling of food in Europe. Also mentioned are the problems with the labeling of natural ingredients in food that are being presented or displayed to attract consumers.

The article discusses a directive issued by the European Commission (EC) on dietary food for special medical purposes. Topics covered include the nutritional implications of the Special Food Regulation. Also mentioned is the enforcement of the policy by the European Food Safety Agency (ESFA) as authorized by the EC.

The role of Open Data in supporting and strengthening civic participation is still under development, but increasingly relevant. The aim of this paper is to examine the concept of Open Data in relation to a specific context, namely the food sector in the EU. A brief description of the state of the art of the EU legal framework on Open Data will serve as a departure point towards a deeper discussion on the relationship between Open Data and the food sector. Firstly, my intention is to comprehend whether and how Open Data could offer the citizenry new forms of communication and information sharing, through which interactive food-related choices and new research activities can be performed. Then, I will reflect on the consequences Open Data may have on digital interactions concerning ICT-mediated knowledge production and the food sector, by analysing the new Regulation on food information, and understanding the linked implications for civil society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks into the impact of the proposed trade secrets directive of the European Commission (EC) on the food industry. Topics include the objective of the proposal, the information and transparency principles outlined in the Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and the Council of 28 January 2002 and the issues identified by the EC during the impact assessment it carried out, including sub-optimal incentives for cross-border innovation activities.

Before, during and after physical activity, hydration is a limiting factor in athletic performance. Therefore, adequate hydration provides benefits for health and performance of athletes. Besides, hydration is associated to the intake of carbohydrates, protein, sodium, caffeine and other substances by different dietary aids, during the training and/or competition by athletes. These requirements have led to the development of different products by the food industry, to cover the nutritional needs of athletes. Currently in the European context, the legal framework for the development of products, substances and health claims concerning to sport products is incomplete and scarce. Under these conditions, there are many products with different ingredients out of European Eood Safety Authority (EESA) control where claims are wrong due to no robust scientific evidence and it can be dangerous for the health. Eurther scientific evidence should be constructed by new clinical trials in order to assist to the Experts Committees at EESA for obtaining robust scientific opinions concerning to the functional foods and the individual ingredients for sport population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entrance in the job market of Food Science and Technology (FST) professionals was examined by a web-based survey conducted in Europe. The results highlight aspects that involve both the higher education and extracurricular qualifications and underline the different needs that education and training must fulfil. The field of higher education degree and gender affected the level of responsibility and the type of activity. FST professionals cover a wide range of tasks which require expertise that cannot be covered entirely by a single degree but these professionals show that are eager to expand their knowledge and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]