Spotlight on functional food safety

Food supplements and functional foods continue to gain ground, both globally and across Europe. At the same time, concerns about their safety and reliability are growing. In late April, the FAO – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – published a report that sheds light on these potential risks.

Focus on personalised nutrition

In Food safety in personalised nutrition, the FAO highlights several safety considerations surrounding supplements and functional foods. Key issues include interactions with medications, unclear dosage guidelines, and ingredients without a history of consumption. According to author Maura Di Martino, it is crucial to assess the origin, processing, and concentration of active substances. “Clear labelling and thorough safety assessments can support informed choices and consumer confidence,” she states in the report.

The organisation stresses the importance of substantiated claims, reliable labelling, and clear regulatory frameworks. Functional foods are defined as products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, while supplements are described as concentrated sources of nutrients intended to complement the daily diet.

Tighter regulations on the horizon?

The report compares how different countries regulate supplements and functional foods. This global overview is intended to help authorities strengthen their national regulations, enabling innovation without compromising food safety.

Although the report takes a global perspective, its content is clearly relevant to Dutch producers and exporters. The FAO does not explicitly call for stricter rules, but it does advocate for more effective frameworks – something that’s also being discussed within European and Dutch regulatory bodies.

Increased pressure on global resources

At the same time, the FAO released its broader Food Outlook for 2025. It shows that global stocks of grain and dairy are increasing, while demand is softening due to economic pressure. This could lead to falling prices – a potential opportunity for Dutch food processors, but a challenge for exporters.

Tropical ingredients such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil are under pressure due to El Niño-related weather disruptions. For the Dutch food industry – from confectionery to ice cream – this could mean rising procurement costs or supply chain risks.

More supplements, less market certainty

The global protein market is also shifting. China is importing less animal protein, which is pushing prices down and increasing competition in other regions. This has implications for Dutch companies active in veal, dairy, and plant-based protein alternatives.

For Dutch businesses involved in functional foods and supplements, the message is clear: focus not only on product safety and labelling, but also on price volatility, raw material risks, and shifting export markets. According to the FAO, collaboration and transparency remain key – both in shaping regulation and in adapting to market developments.

Fao.org