The paper addresses the EU legal definition of food and its borders regarding climate change and the related nutrient depletion, i.e. the significant reduction in the levels of essential nutrients in several staple foods because of higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The paper argues that although the nutritional functions of food are a key issue in the notion of ‘food security’, they are neglected by the current legal definitions of food. The idea that food must be nutritious since it is expected to feed people adequately cannot be found either in the international definition of food under the Codex alimentarius, or in the most detailed EU legal definition of food. One could argue that both legal definitions were conceived to deal with food safety issues. Nevertheless, it is surprising that the definition of food that is applicable to the entire EU food law system does not give any considerations to the nutritional profile. The paper also addresses the lack of consumer awareness regarding the health threats related to micronutrient deficiencies, which in legal terms translates into the provision of adequate food information for consumers. The relevant EU regulation relies on the same legal definition of food and does not provide information on lower concentrations of essential nutrients, such as iron, in our food.
The climate-related nutrient depletion phenomenon and its legal implications
M. Alabrese
2019-01-01
Abstract
The paper addresses the EU legal definition of food and its borders regarding climate change and the related nutrient depletion, i.e. the significant reduction in the levels of essential nutrients in several staple foods because of higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The paper argues that although the nutritional functions of food are a key issue in the notion of ‘food security’, they are neglected by the current legal definitions of food. The idea that food must be nutritious since it is expected to feed people adequately cannot be found either in the international definition of food under the Codex alimentarius, or in the most detailed EU legal definition of food. One could argue that both legal definitions were conceived to deal with food safety issues. Nevertheless, it is surprising that the definition of food that is applicable to the entire EU food law system does not give any considerations to the nutritional profile. The paper also addresses the lack of consumer awareness regarding the health threats related to micronutrient deficiencies, which in legal terms translates into the provision of adequate food information for consumers. The relevant EU regulation relies on the same legal definition of food and does not provide information on lower concentrations of essential nutrients, such as iron, in our food.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
