Search Results (41)

The purpose of the article is to present the influences and their weights on the price formation of agricultural and food products in Slovenia. The influences are defined by the ratios of input and output prices and quantities of raw materials, semi-finished products, and products within the food systems of individual stakeholders in the theoretical design of price difference construction, the definition of individual stakeholders’ costs, and the assessment of the dynamics of price and quantity fluctuations from the annual average. The analysis is based on the specified econometric model bases on the Ridge formulation, which represent an analytical model of the price formation in the agri-food chains in Slovenia. The results determine and explain the weight of the impacts based on composite independent variables (based on the calculation of the relationships between individual variables with respect to the mutual responsiveness of changes–elasticity of behaviour) which were defined using available data collected in accordance with the Law on Agriculture in the Republic of Slovenia. Several new independent variables were developed to explain the effects of the independent variable representing the difference in the price of agricultural and food product between the beginning and the end in the analyzed food supply chain. The discussion connects practical actions that address three important future development components of agriculture: strengthening accessibility, competitiveness, and the stability of the position of Slovenian agriculture within the EU. Full article

Insect farming for several purposes, which inscribes itself into circular economy, could become an alternative to traditional agriculture in Europe. Insects are a more sustainable and circular alternative source of protein and fat in food and feeds. The aim of this study is to identify legal barriers to the rearing of insects and marketing of insect-based products. The study focuses on the identification of such barriers to insect rearing and to the production of fertilizers from insect frass. The dogmatic legal method, as well as SWOT and PESTEL analyses, are employed in this research. The two latter methods are used to gain insight into the views held by the industry’s stakeholders. Subsequently, issues within the research field, such as the rearing of insects, their welfare, and the requirements imposed on the feeding of farmed insects, are discussed. Finally, solutions to the identified problems are suggested. The most important strengths of insect farming are its innovative edge and the creation of new products at the EU level. Weaknesses include technological and organizational challenges. Stakeholders attribute high importance to external circumstances, especially economic and social ones. As concluded from this study, the current laws are not optimal for insect farming; however, despite this situation, some changes to the law could facilitate the acquisition of feed for insects or the marketing of some insect-based products. The proposed legal changes aim at lifting the identified barriers to insect farming while still meeting safety requirements and supporting circular economy principles. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a significant global concern, undermining the efficacy of treatments in both human and veterinary medicine. Livestock production plays a major role in the emergence and dissemination of AMR, primarily due to the extensive use of antibiotics for therapeutic, prophylactic, and metaphylactic purposes. Addressing this multifaceted issue necessitates a One Health approach. At the international level, regulatory frameworks are predominantly non-binding, relying on soft-law instruments developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), which advocate for harmonized guidelines and national action plans. In contrast, the European Union has implemented binding regulations, including Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and Regulation (EU) 2019/4, which restrict non-essential antimicrobial use (AMU) and reinforce veterinary accountability. Initiatives such as the Farm to Fork Strategy and platforms like ClassyFarm further advance antimicrobial stewardship by integrating animal welfare, sustainability, and access to EU funding. Achieving substantial reductions in AMR within livestock systems requires coordinated, cross-disciplinary, and multi-level governance efforts. The EU model illustrates how enforceable legal frameworks, combined with science-based monitoring and welfare incentives, can facilitate prudent antibiotic use and promote sustainable animal production. This review aims to provide an integrated overview of international and European strategies for regulating antibiotic use in food-producing animals, focusing on how scientific, veterinary and legal perspectives contribute to combating AMR and promoting animal welfare by emphasizing prevention, and a prudent and responsible AMU. Full article

The transition from soft to hard law is reshaping global agri-food governance, particularly in relation to sustainability and corporate responsibility. This article analyzes this shift by examining two regulatory approaches: voluntary instruments such as the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains and binding EU directives like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Using a qualitative and interpretive methodology, the study combines a literature review and two case studies (Nicoverde and Lavazza) to explore the evolution from soft law to hard law and the synergies and analyze how these tools are applied in the Italian agri-food sector and how they can contribute to improving corporate sustainability performance. Findings show that soft law has paved the way for more rigorous regulation, but the increasing compliance burden poses challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These cases serve as virtuous examples to illustrate how soft and hard law interact in practice, offering concrete insights into the translation of general sustainability principles into corporate strategies. A hybrid governance framework—combining voluntary and binding tools—can foster sustainability if supported by coherent policies, stakeholder collaboration and adequate support mechanisms. The study offers practical insights for both companies and policymakers navigating the evolving legal scenario. Full article

Progressing soil degradation worldwide is a complex socio-environmental threat. Implementing environmental policies and actions such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Renewable Energy Directive III regarding environmental protection aims to protect, conserve, and enhance the EU’s natural capital, focusing on soil protection. As assumed in the Green Deal, the European economy has to be turned into a resource-efficient and green economy with zero net emission of greenhouse gases. Since soil quality strongly influences all ecosystem elements, soil remediation is increasingly promoted as a sustainable option to enhance soil quality and, at the same time, help achieve overarching goals set out in European climate law. Biomass in phytoremediation is particularly important in regenerative agriculture, as it emphasizes improving soil quality, increasing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon. Selected plants and microbes can clean degraded agricultural areas, removing heavy metals and pesticides, thus lowering soil toxicity and improving food and feed security. Moreover, the post-phytoremediation biomass can be processed into biofuels or bioproducts, supporting the circular economy. This article summarizes the role of plants and microbial biomass in the struggle to achieve EU environmental goals, enabling the regeneration of degraded ecosystems while supporting sustainable development in agriculture. Full article

Although food seems abundant in the European Union, challenges related to specific aspects of food security continue to exist and require ongoing attention. A country’s food security depends on various economic, social, environmental, and institutional factors, which are studied using several scientific research methodologies. The role of institutions in determining national success and failure has been increasingly emphasized in recent academic discourse. Our research makes a novel contribution to the literature on institutions and food security by integrating New Institutional Economics with food security metrics. It aims to examine the relationships between food security dimensions and country-specific institutional matrices in the twenty EU member states from 2012 to 2019. How strong were those relationships, and how did they differ between the new and old member states? Food security is proxied by the Global Food Security Index and its three pillars (economic accessibility, physical availability, and quality and safety). The institutional quality of a country is represented by the Worldwide Governance Indicators (regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption). Using the food security indices as the dependent variables, we apply multiple regression models to identify which institutions determined national food security over time. The study revealed that between 2012 and 2019, there was no evidence of sigma convergence or reduction in the dispersion of institutional quality (except for control of corruption) and overall food security within the EU20. The domestic institutions were generally statistically significantly positively related to the GFSI and its elements. The weakest correlations for the EU20 were those linking institutional variables with food quality and safety. The rule of law, incorporating such formal institutions as the quality of contract enforcement and property rights, positively affected food security within the EU20, with the mostgreatest impact on food quality, safety, and availability. The dependence of food security on national institutional factors was stronger in new member states from Central and Eastern Europe. The exploratory results shed some light on the role of institutions in shaping food security. However, further research is required to gain a more detailed understanding of this phenomenon. The research findings suggest that policymakers in the EU countries could enhance national institutions to promote food security and, consequently, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals more effectively. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS), which are a consequence of the progressive loss of neuronal function and structure, cause significant cognitive impairment. The incidence of these diseases in the world’s population is constantly increasing as a result of an aging population. Although genetic and environmental factors are most often mentioned as the pathogenetic factors of these diseases, increasing evidence points to the important role of proper nutrition in the prevention and support of the treatment of these disorders. A healthy, balanced diet can mitigate the risks associated with the risk factors mentioned above and slow the progression of the disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamins B, D, E, C, K, and A have been shown to support cognitive functions and protect the nervous system. This review demonstrates the importance of vitamins in preventing and supporting the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Information regarding the health-promoting properties of these vitamins must be effectively communicated to consumers seeking to protect their health, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, this review also examines the authorized health claims under EU food law related to these vitamins, assessing their role in promoting awareness of the vitamins’ potential benefits for neuroprotection and the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

The presence of industrial trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) in processed foods poses significant public health concerns, necessitating comprehensive regulatory frameworks. In this study, the current legal landscape governing iTFA in the European Union and Spain is analyzed, with a particular focus on regulatory effectiveness and implementation challenges. The research methodology combines a systematic review of existing regulations, including EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 and Spanish Law 17/2011, with the analysis of the scientific literature on iTFA health impacts. The results reveal significant regulatory gaps, particularly in enforcement mechanisms and iTFA detection methods. Key challenges are also identified in the present study, including inconsistent compliance monitoring, varying analytical methods for iTFA detection, and contradictions between EU and Spanish regulatory frameworks. Additionally, in this work, the need for harmonized approaches to ultra-processed food regulation is emphasized. Further, the conclusion is that despite the current regulations providing a foundation for iTFA control, it is compulsory to enhance the monitoring systems, and clearer regulatory guidelines are necessary. These would contribute valuable insights for policymakers, food industry stakeholders, and public health professionals working towards effective iTFA regulation. Full article

This study examines the role of humanitarian diplomacy during the Tigray humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, a humanitarian disaster marked by severe shortages in food, healthcare, and essential services that deeply affect civilians. A qualitative approach using both primary and secondary data grounds the study by exploring key actors in humanitarian diplomacy, their successes, and barriers to aid delivery. Humanitarian actors, such as UN agencies, international NGOs, donor countries, the EU, the US, and the African Union, have engaged with the Ethiopian government, the TPLF, and the Tigray Transitional Government to alleviate the crisis. Notable achievements in humanitarian diplomacy include negotiations, information gathering, communication, civilian needs assessment, resource mobilization, advocacy for international law, and distressed civilians. Humanitarian diplomacy has facilitated international aid operations, saving lives during critical periods, despite practical difficulties. Diplomatic efforts have faced significant interruptions due to access restrictions imposed by the Ethiopian government, security threats from ongoing fighting leading to attacks on aid convoys and casualties among aid workers, and bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Ethiopian government. This study highlights the necessity for effective humanitarian diplomacy in accounting for complex political landscapes in conflict-affected regions, developing flexible strategies that enhance access to aid, and improving humanitarian interventions. Full article

Climate change poses several challenges in the wine industry, including increasing risks related to chemical food contaminants such as biogenic amines and ethyl carbamate (EC). In this work, we focused on urea removal in red wines by immobilized acid urease aiming at limiting EC formation during wine storage. By considering separable kinetics of catalyst deactivation and urea hydrolysis, it was possible to model the time course of urea removal in repeated uses in stirred batch reactors. Treatments based on immobilized urease of red wine enriched with 30 mg/L of urea allowed the reduction in the contaminant concentration to <5 mg/L. After 28.5 h of treatment, the observed urea level was reduced to about 0.5 mg/L, corresponding to a decrease in the potential ethyl carbamate (PEC) from 1662 μg/L to 93 μg/L, below the level of the non-enriched wine (187 μg/L). As a comparison, when treating the same wine with the free enzyme at maximum doses allowed by the EU law, urea and PEC levels decreased to only 12 mg/L and 415 μg/L respectively, after 600 h of treatment. These results show that, for red wines, urease immobilization is an effective strategy for urea removal and, thus, effective reduction in ethyl carbamate as a process contaminant. This study provides the scientific background for the future scaling-up of the process at an industrial level. Full article

The aims of the article are to assess the legal conditions for improving energy efficiency in the energy-intensive food industry in Poland, including the rules for financing enterprises from public funds, and to assess the extent of state aid for these enterprises in their pursuit of energy saving goals. A critical analysis of the literature and of legal regulations on energy efficiency in EU and Polish law has been performed. The analysis of state aid is based on SUDOP data, and it takes into account the time span, the food industry structure, the enterprise size, the type and purpose of aid granted, and the degree of aid concentration. The conducted research showed that the largest share of state aid is received by energy-intensive industries, i.e., meat, fruit and vegetables, and dairy products (65.5%), and by large- and medium-sized enterprises (82.4%). This aid was allocated through various programmes and in various forms, the most important of which were subsidies. The aid focused on three objectives, i.e., promotion of energy from renewable sources, high-efficiency cogeneration, and measures supporting energy efficiency. The study shows the development of legislation on energy efficiency and possibilities for financing investments, both at the EU and national levels. Tightening climate policy will enhance the importance of energy efficiency in the food industry, which should be reflected in an increase in the relatively low current level of this aid (amounting to 0.04% of total state aid and 0.17% of aid for environmental protection and energy purposes). Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) biosensors are devices that can detect and measure biological or chemical signals of interest, such as glucose, DNA, hormones, toxins, pathogens, etc. They have many applications in various fields, such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety, biodefense, and bioengineering. However, AI biosensors also pose some regulatory and ethical challenges that need to be addressed before they can be widely used and accepted by society. Some of these challenges are safety and reliability, privacy and data protection, social and cultural implications, innovation, and regulation. AI biosensors are constantly evolving and innovating with new technologies, materials, methods, or applications. This may pose challenges for the existing regulatory frameworks and authorities that may not be able to keep up with the pace and scope of innovation. AI biosensors should balance between innovation and regulation, and we should ensure that they are developed and used in a responsible and sustainable manner. Various stakeholders, such as researchers, regulators, policy makers, industry partners, civil society groups, and end-users should engage with AI biosensors to foster dialogue, collaboration, and public trust. Proposed in April 2021, endorsed by the European Council on 21 May 2024 and expected to be fully applicable from 2 August 2026, the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) will be the first EU regulatory framework for AI and could serve as a law model for the regulation of AI biosensors. There are some scattered international instruments and frameworks that address some of the ethical, legal, and social issues related to biosensors. States and the World Health Organization (WHO), with its constitutional mandate to deal with global public health, should regulate the use of AI biosensors and adopt legally binding rules and international standards in this sensitive field. Full article

Background and objectives: Fruits and vegetables are rich in components with health-promoting effects, such as vitamins. However, lack of compliance with the recommended ‘5-a-day’ is an issue most nations face. While these plant-based foods contain high levels of vitamins and other bio-compounds, their bioavailability is questionable. Considerable research and legislation have been devoted to vitamins and claims that they promote health. However, little has been investigated about the overlap between what is active in our bodies and what is authorised. In this study, we adopt a dual approach: first by presenting the theory and body of evidence on bioavailability and legislation and second by extending this knowledge to a practical case in light of nutrition and health claims. Methods: We selected three vitamins regularly subjected to claims: vitamin C, riboflavin, and folate. By conducting thorough literature research, we evaluated the logical order from how these compounds are used in our bodies (‘In our cells’) through to how they are characterised (‘In regulation’) and how they are measured (‘In the lab’). To illustrate this critical appraisal, we present an analysis of these vitamins from a sample of cucumbers of different varieties. Results: We observed that bioavailability is a rather complex concept for the three vitamins analysed. In particular, in fruits and vegetables, these water-soluble vitamins are registered as unstable and labile during processing and storage. Furthermore, the characterisation of such vitamins in regulations and general knowledge of the targeted compounds seems oversimplified. Likewise, measuring protocols should be detailed and focus on the bioactive forms of vitamins in humans. Discussion: The conclusions from these analyses set out the state-of-the-art on vitamins that can be characterised and measured and the implications of these findings for the use of nutrition and health claims. A better understanding of what each vitamin entails for the decision-makers of claims and users of composition data is needed. These insights will help to harmonise what is measured in the lab, regulated by EU law, and taken up in our cells. Full article

Climate change mitigation in the agricultural sector is essential to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C within reach. This article explores why there has been a limited adoption of carbon farming policies in the EU, despite the potential for emissions reductions and carbon sequestration at the farm level. Desk research revealed that EU Member States are increasingly setting sectoral climate targets for agriculture, but there is a lack of policies addressing carbon farming. Governments have largely refrained from using laws and regulatory instruments, with strategies and plans representing the large majority of carbon farming policies in the EU. Moreover, interviews with policymakers and other stakeholders revealed that the main barriers to the adoption of carbon farming policies are concerns over carbon leakage and competitive advantage, the need for a just transition, and structural issues in the food value chain. Despite being regarded by researchers as a main barrier to carbon farming, the agricultural lobby is not perceived as a barrier by policymakers, who emphasise the importance of involving farmers in the policy process. A key implication of these findings is that carbon farming policies need to form part of a wider food system transformation in order to successfully contribute to climate change mitigation. Full article

Athletes should carefully consider the use of botanical food supplements (BFSs) given the current lack of substantiation for botanical nutrition and health claims under EU and UK food laws. In addition, athletes may be at an increased risk of doping violations and other adverse outcomes potentially associated with BFS use; however, little is known about athletes’ intake, knowledge, or perceptions in relation to BFS use. An online cross-sectional survey of n = 217 elite and amateur athletes living on the island of Ireland was conducted using Qualtrics XM to assess intake, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. General food supplements (FSs) were reported by approximately 60% of the study cohort, and 16% of the supplements reported were categorized as BFS. The most frequently consumed BFSs were turmeric/curcumin (14%), Ashwagandha (10%), and Beetroot extract (8%). A higher proportion of amateur athletes would source information about BFSs from less credible sources, such as fellow athletes, or from internet sources or their coach, compared to elite athletes. Those who sourced information about botanicals from fellow athletes (p = 0.03) or the internet (p = 0.02) reported a lower perceived level of risks associated with BFS use. This study therefore suggests that amateur athletes may be more likely to source information from less credible sources compared to elite athletes who may have more access to nutrition professionals and their knowledge/advice. This may have potential adverse implications for amateur athletes, e.g., Gaelic games players, who are included within the doping testing pool but who may not have access to evidence-based nutrition advice. Full article