The Role of Razzies in EU Food Law

K.E. Verzijden, The Role of Razzies in EU Food Law, LSenR.nl LS&R 752
Bijdragen ingezonden door Karin Verzijden, Axon advocaten.
This article is a short extract of a publication in EFFL 2013/6, which provides a broader perspective in the framework of misleading advertising, both in the Netherlands and Germany.

Golden Raspberries
One day before the distribution of the Academy Awards for excellence of cinematic achievements, the ceremony of Golden Raspberries or “Razzies” takes place. Razzies are awarded in recognition of the worst in film. Obviously, no producer, actor or actress is looking forward to receiving this “prize”. However, Razzy ceremonies continue to take place ever since 1980, so there seems to be no escape.

Public perception
One can wonder if the yearly Razzies constitute an isolated momentum or if they have some social or economic impact indeed. Based on the changes applied in the information provided currently provided with the Natrena Stevia product, this latest Razzy seem to have had repercussions indeed. Douwe Egberts added an explanatory note on its website regarding the limited quantity of Stevia contained in its product Natrena Stevia crystal powder. In free English translation this reeds "Stevia crystal powder consist of the light filler maltodextrine (97%) and Stevia (steviol glycosides 3 %). Why so little Stevia? That is because Stevia is 300 times sweeter than sugar and in its pure form therefore is difficult to dose. The filler causes 1 small spoon of Natrena Stevia to be as sweet as a small spoon of sugar, but it contains far less calories (3kcal per tea spoon)." Based on all of this, it can be concluded that public perception, in addition to all legal and other product requirements, also plays a role in EU Food Law. Hopefully for the benefit of our healthy appetite!

Karin Verzijden