NVWA: Misleading claims about whole grain products

Research by the Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (NVWA) shows that more than a quarter of products labeled as whole grain are incorrectly marketed as such. Producers have received official warnings and administrative fines for this and are required to adjust their packaging to prevent consumer deception.

Investigation into 190 products

The NVWA examined 190 whole grain products from seven major supermarket chains. These included rusks, crackers, biscuits, and pasta. Of these products, 51 did not meet the requirements for being labeled as whole grain. To be considered whole grain, the flour must be made entirely from whole grain kernels, meaning the starchy endosperm, germ, and bran must be present in their natural proportions.

Producers adjust packaging

Following the NVWA's findings, most producers have since updated their packaging. Some products are no longer available for purchase. The complete investigation results, including product names, can be found on the NVWA's website.

For more information, visit nvwa.nl.