Nutrition and Health Policy

Poland Public Health Institute Issues Expert Opinion on Ultra-Processed Food and Launches Online Hygienic Attestation Portal

Poland has issued a formal expert opinion on ultra-processed food risks and launched a digital portal for mandatory hygienic certifications. These moves signal a shift toward stricter food classification and modernize the administrative process for product safety and conformity testing.

2 Apr 2026, 07:56pzh.gov.plPoland

European Commission Replies to National Parliaments and Confirms Forthcoming EU Plant-Based Protein Action Plan

The European Commission has confirmed the launch of a comprehensive EU plant-based protein action plan by mid-2026 to address import dependencies. Businesses should anticipate a strategic shift toward localized protein sourcing and potential new sustainability and labeling standards for alternative proteins.

1 Apr 2026, 18:34ec.europa.euEuropean Union

France: National Assembly Adopts Bill to Ban Added Sugars in Infant and Young Child Foods

The French National Assembly has adopted a bill to ban added sugars in foods for infants and young children, effective January 1, 2028. Manufacturers must initiate product reformulations and monitor forthcoming ministerial orders that will define specific exemptions and permissible sugar levels.

1 Apr 2026, 14:42assemblee-nationale.frFrance

France National Assembly Bill Proposes Mandatory Nutri-Score Labelling on Food Products and Advertising

A new French bill proposes making Nutri-Score labelling mandatory for pre-packaged food and advertising by January 2027. This transition from voluntary to compulsory disclosure would impose significant financial risks, with non-compliance penalties reaching 2% of annual turnover.

29 Mar 2026, 17:39assemblee-nationale.frFrance

Peru Adopts Law No. 32570 Amending Law No. 30198 on Street Vending of Medicinal Plant Beverages

Peru has enacted Law No. 32570 to formalize the street vending of medicinal plant and traditional grain beverages as regulated microenterprises. This development mandates stricter adherence to food hygiene standards and municipal registration, signaling a shift toward professionalized oversight and sanitary compliance in the informal food sector.

29 Mar 2026, 17:05busquedas.elperuano.pePeru

Germany/Bundesrat Considers Resolution on Sugar Levy for Soft Drinks and 16+ Age Limit for Energy Drinks

The German Bundesrat is considering a resolution calling for a national sugar levy on soft drinks and a statutory minimum age of 16 for energy drink sales. If adopted by the federal government, this would signal a shift from voluntary industry commitments to mandatory fiscal and market access restrictions, requiring significant product reformulation and revised retail compliance strategies.

29 Mar 2026, 06:11bundesrat.deGermany

European Parliament Adopts First-Reading Position on Wine Sector Support and Spirit Drink Labelling

The European Parliament adopted its first-reading position in February 2026 on new wine sector rules, harmonizing "alcohol-free" labelling and easing digital disclosure requirements. Producers must adapt to mandatory de-alcoholisation statements and updated vineyard management rules, while leveraging simplified branding and flexible e-labelling options.

27 Mar 2026, 18:42europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

European Commission Confirms Ongoing EFSA Re-evaluation Of Polyol Sweeteners

The European Commission has confirmed that EFSA is currently re-evaluating all authorized polyol sweeteners, with refined exposure data for erythritol expected by 2027 and opinions on six other polyols due in the coming years. While no immediate restrictions are planned, businesses should prepare for potential adjustments to use conditions, impurity specifications, or labeling requirements once EFSA finalizes its safety assessments.

27 Mar 2026, 18:37europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Alaska Senate Bill 187 Proposes Ban On Certain Food Dyes In Public School Meals

Alaska is advancing legislation to ban seven synthetic food dyes from public school meals effective January 2028. Food and beverage manufacturers should prepare for regional reformulation requirements as state-level restrictions on FDA-approved additives continue to gain momentum across the U.S.

26 Mar 2026, 19:14akleg.govUnited States

EFSA NDA Panel Adopts Scientific Opinion on Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Vitamin D in the EU

EFSA has finalized its scientific opinion on Vitamin D tolerable upper intake levels, confirming 100 µg/day for adults and introducing new conversion factors for calcidiol. This technical assessment will drive upcoming EU regulatory revisions to maximum permitted levels in supplements and fortified foods, requiring manufacturers to evaluate high-dose formulations and labeling.

26 Mar 2026, 12:15onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

Brazil Chamber Working Group Approves Final Report on Rules for Sale of Dietary Supplements

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies working group approved a final report on March 24, 2026, outlining proposed national rules for the commercialization of dietary supplements. Companies should prepare for upcoming legislative proposals that will likely standardize marketing and sales criteria, increasing regulatory oversight for the supplement sector.

26 Mar 2026, 11:52camara.leg.brBrazil

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3131 Proposes Tax on Alternative Nicotine Products

Rhode Island has introduced Senate Bill S3131, proposing a new definition and a $2.00 per container excise tax for noncombustible alternative nicotine products. If enacted, manufacturers and retailers must prepare for increased per-unit costs and new tax compliance obligations for nicotine-containing products that do not use tobacco leaf.

25 Mar 2026, 21:36webserver.rilegislature.govUnited States

EFSA Adopts Scientific Opinion on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Folate

EFSA has confirmed existing tolerable upper intake levels for folate while establishing a new limit for infants and extending these standards to 5-MTHF salts. This opinion provides the scientific basis for the European Commission to set maximum permitted levels in fortified foods and supplements, ensuring long-term compositional compliance.

20 Mar 2026, 13:53efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) Cabinet Backs Bundesrat Initiative for Sugar Levy on Soft Drinks and Energy Drink Age Limit

Schleswig-Holstein has approved a federal initiative to introduce a sugar levy on soft drinks and establish a national age limit for energy drink sales. This signals a shift toward stricter health-driven market controls, requiring companies to evaluate product reformulations and enhance age-verification compliance.

19 Mar 2026, 10:13schleswig-holstein.deGermany

EU Commission Briefs Member States on Safe Hearts Plan Actions for Food Sector

The European Commission is shifting toward digital disclosure tools rather than physical labeling to inform consumers about food processing levels. Companies should anticipate a formal definition of "ultra-processed foods" that will drive future transparency obligations and influence market positioning.

14 Mar 2026, 08:36food.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

FSA Publishes March 2026 Board Meeting Agenda And Papers

The UK Food Standards Agency has released its March 2026 Board papers, outlining strategic priorities for UK-EU regulatory alignment and the future of food safety frameworks. Businesses should monitor these developments for potential shifts in sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and new reporting requirements for healthier food targets.

14 Mar 2026, 07:57food.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Asturias (Spain) Proposes Law Restricting Energy Drinks for Under-16s

Asturias (Spain) has notified a draft law to prohibit the sale, supply, and marketing of stimulant energy drinks to minors under 16. Businesses face new obligations for age-gated e-commerce, segregated retail placement, and strict advertising bans, signaling a regional shift toward tighter regulation of high-caffeine beverages.

12 Mar 2026, 12:12technical-regulation-information-system.ec.europa.euSpain

Japan CAA Grants Labelling Permission for One Food for Special Dietary Uses

Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency has granted specific labeling authorization for a new product under the Food for Special Dietary Uses (FOSDU) category as of March 2026. This approval reinforces the strict pre-market authorization regime for health-related claims, requiring manufacturers to secure individual product clearance before targeting specific demographic or medical segments.

11 Mar 2026, 17:21caa.go.jpJapan

EU EFSA Concludes Potassium–Magnesium Mineral Salt Novel Food Is Safe Under Proposed Uses

EFSA has finalized the safety assessment for a potassium-magnesium mineral salt, clearing it for use as a sodium-reducing novel food ingredient. This clearance facilitates formal EU authorization, providing food manufacturers with a validated, compliant alternative for sodium reduction in processed meat and cereal products.

10 Mar 2026, 16:19efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

Brazil Proposes Bill to Restrict Ultra-Processed Foods in Public Procurement and School Feeding

Brazil introduced Bill PL 6537/2025 to phase out the public procurement of ultra-processed foods and restrict artificial sweeteners in schools and hospitals. Suppliers must prepare for a significant shift in public tender requirements, prioritizing fresh ingredients and natural sweeteners over synthetic additives.

9 Mar 2026, 17:14camara.leg.brBrazil