Foods for Specific Consumer Groups

Abstract

Conveying food information to consumers is a complex issue given both the vast array of European consumers, as well as the threefold purpose of the display of food information: it is required to communicate about the safety of a product and its ingredients, it assists consumers in making informed choices, and it is also a tool that may have an impact on the functioning of the internal market. Food information is conveyed to all consumers. However, some more vulnerable consumers may require more targeted food information, be it because they are defenceless against certain commercial practices or be it because they have special dietary needs and therefore make use of foods for specific consumer groups. The question is how the vulnerability of consumers is protected with specific ad hoc legislation while maintaining and promoting the fundamental freedoms. In this chapter, we address generic and specific regulation. With regards to the latter, we will review the current European legislative framework for specific consumer groups, especially the way vulnerable consumer groups are protected against unfair practices using targeted food information.