In recent years, the quality and safety of food has become a hot topic of debate, particularly in the context of importing products from outside the European Union. Farmers and politicians have expressed concerns about the health quality of imported food products. What solutions can protect us from potential dangers? What challenges do consumers face in the context of growing changes in the global food market?
Author: Dr. Adam Jurgoński, Head of the Biological Function of Food Team
Food surveillance
The quality and safety of food in Poland is monitored by a number of government administrative bodies, including the State Sanitary Inspectorate, the Veterinary Inspectorate and the Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection. It is mainly they who supervise both domestic and imported food products, including those from outside the European Union. At EU level, meanwhile, there is the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which analyses available scientific data and assesses food-related risks, including the presence of foreign chemicals. The European Union also has the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), which allows information to be rapidly communicated and action to be taken to withdraw products that may pose a health risk from the EU market.
With an organised system of supervision and control, consumers can count on food safety at an appropriate level. However, the subject of food imports from outside the EU, especially in the context of trade agreements such as EU-Mercosur, can raise concerns in some quarters about differences in production methods and, consequently, in the quality of imported foodstuffs.
Food accessibility – local and global situation
The problem of ensuring adequate food supply around the world is not so clear-cut. Indeed, in Europe and North America, there is generally an excess of food, which leads to health problems related to obesity and diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Excess food also results in food waste – a growing social problem that is being tackled through a variety of initiatives, including information campaigns, optimising supply chains or creating so-called food banks. However, in regions of the world affected by conflict or poverty, such as some countries in sub-Saharan Africa, food scarcity and even periodic famines are still a real problem.
New sources of protein – insects and artificial meat on the plate?
Contemporary trends related to environmental protection and changing consumer preferences are leading to a search for alternative sources of protein. Although controversial, the topic of using insects in food production is becoming increasingly popular in this context. It has been postulated that insects can provide a valuable alternative to traditional protein sources.
However, it is not just about meeting protein requirements. This phenomenon must also be seen in the context of a changing approach to livestock farming, which, as a result of its intensification, is perceived by a growing number of people as controversial. Among other reasons, this is why some people opt for diets based on plant-based foods, which, if well balanced, can be nutritionally sufficient for adults who are not over-exercising. However, in extreme cases, they can unfortunately lead to severe malnutrition, especially in children. This raises the issue of the incomplete value of plant-based protein and alternative sources of protein, such as artificial meat, the pilot production of which is already underway in some countries.
The future of food – the right to information and choice
Consumers have the right to reliable information and a free choice of food products on the market. Whether we are talking about insects, artificial meat or imported foods, the final decision as to which is better should therefore rest with the well-informed and educated consumer. There are many indications that interest in insects as a source of protein will not be widespread due to their exoticism as a food ingredient in our cultural circle. Instead, price competitiveness and taste will play a very important role when accepting imported or artificially produced products.
The issue of food, both domestic and imported, is a constant topic of discussion. Regardless of accepted trends, it is important to provide adequate education and information to enable informed consumer choices. For children, on the other hand, it is particularly important to have a well-balanced diet, including wholesome animal protein, appropriate to their age and necessary for proper growth and development.
The assessment of the food situation indicates that, in the face of new challenges, consumers should be provided with access to reliable information on the origin, quality, as well as nutritional value and health properties of food products. In this way, it is hoped that the food market will be shaped according to consumers’ preferences and health needs.
