Better nutrition for better health: A science-driven nutritional approach to EU food law

Summary

The dissertation explores how European Union food law and policy can better support healthy diets and improve public health. It shows that while the link between nutrition and health is widely recognised, EU food law still lacks clear rules to ensure access to nutritious food. Current laws mainly focus on food safety and consumer information, leaving it up to individuals to decide what to eat. However, many people face unhealthy food environments and limited access to nutritious options. The research also shows that scientific evidence does not always guide EU decisions on harmful substances, which may still end up in food. The dissertation argues that EU food law should go further to protect public health by including nutrition as a legal objective and applying this across all stages of the food supply chain. It proposes reforms based on science and human rights to ensure healthier diets for everyone.