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In its latest research, the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), which provides information on healthy eating, draws attention to the problem of growing consumer demand for foods that are perceived or rated as healthier or more sustainable by key minerals, related to the lack of key minerals, including, for example, iron and iodine in vegan and vegetarian diets. Large food companies are making commitments to expand the range or increase the production of plant-based alternatives to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and land use for livestock production. Although the BNF study acknowledges the need to reduce the consumption of red and processed meat, according to BNF, it is not necessary to completely rule out completely healthy consumption of meat, fish, and food of animal origin.
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On 17/08/2021, the European Commission granted authorization for the use of ten genetically modified crops (GMOs) for food production and for use as animal feed. These are 3 types of maize, 2 types of soybeans, 1 type of oilseed rape, 1 type of cotton and renewal of the permit for 2 types of maize and 1 type of oilseed rape. Permits are valid for 10 years, and any product made from these GM crops will be subject to strict EU labelling and traceability rules on the EU market. The permit does not cover cultivation in the EU. The European Commission decided based on a strong scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
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On 10/08/2021, the European Commission issued a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the evaluation of the implementation and impact of mandatory indication of the country of origin or place of provenance for pigmeat, poultry, sheepmeat and goatmeat. According to the European Commission's report, mandatory country of origin labelling provides consumers with meaningful information on the origin of meat and enables competent authorities to monitor compliance. According to the report's conclusions, labelling does not lead to trade distortions or a significant increase in food prices for consumers. According to the Commission, there is also no unnecessary burden for economic operators or administration. In the report, the Commission emphasizes that efforts to better understand the terms and definitions used on labels should be further strengthened, and that there are differences in the quality of controls between Member States. The Commission therefore recommends strengthening the exchange and sharing of best control practices. The European Commission's report will serve the European institutions in setting food labelling rules under the Farm to Fork strategy (proposals should be submitted by the end of 2023).
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The European Commission has set new maximum levels for cadmium in fruit, vegetables, cereals, and oilseeds. The measure is one of the ways in which the Commission is fulfilling its commitments to reduce the risk of cancer. At the same time, the Commission has set a new maximum level for lead in infant and child nutrition, wild mushrooms, spices, and salt. Both regulations will enter into force on 31/08/2021.
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According to plant-based nutrition company Equinom, the prices of plant-based alternatives will fall with increasing demand and increasing supply of new protein-rich ingredients. Equinom recently introduced protein-rich sesame seeds, which should help improve the taste and texture of plant-based products. The company is also working on the development of yellow peas, which have almost 50% more protein than other varieties on the market. According to a report by Bloomberg Intelligence, plant-based alternatives to animal products will account for up to 7.7% of the protein market by 2030. In addition, the share of plant-based alternatives in the market is increasing significantly because companies producing these foods enter contracts with restaurants and large food chains.
More information is available here.