Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission
1.9.2017
Isoglucose is defined by EC law as a product obtained from glucose or its polymers with at least 10% fructose[1]. Other names for isoglucose include glucose-fructose syrup (containing more glucose than fructose), fructose-glucose syrup (more fructose than glucose) and high fructose corn syrup.
The Commission is aware of the debate on how the sugar and sweeteners market might react to the abolition of quotas and of discussions on the health consequences of high intakes of fructose.
A comprehensive review[2] of the scientific evidence and policies on the consumption, energy intake and impact of high fructose syrups[3] on overweight and obesity and health is funded by the European Parliament. The results are expected at the end of 2017.
The Commission will continue to follow this issue and may discuss it again with Member State representatives in the High Level Group on Nutrition and Physical Activity[4] in future.
In accordance with EU food labelling rules[5], it is mandatory to label all the ingredients of a food in the list of ingredients. Ingredients shall be designated by their specific name, which shall be their legal name, or in the absence of this their customary name, or, if there is no customary name, a descriptive name of the ingredient[6].
All types of sucrose may be labelled as ‘sugar’ in the ingredient list[7]. Thus, different forms of sugars may be listed under different names in the ingredients list. In order to inform consumers about the total content of sugars in foods, a nutrition declaration, including a declaration of the total sugars content, is mandatory on the majority of pre-packed foods, since 13 December 2016.
Consumers thus have easy access to clear information on the total sugars content, enabling them to make informed dietary choices.
- [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation), OJ L 299, 16.11.2007, p. 89.
- [2] http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_food-safety/funding/docs/call_sante_2014-c4-068-technical_specs_en.pdf
- [3] Also commonly referred to as glucose-fructose syrup, fructose-glucose syrup, GFS/FGS, HFCS, corn sugar, etc.
- [4] http://ec.europa.eu/health/nutrition_physical_activity/high_level_group/index_en.htm
- [5] Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 18.
- [6] Article 18(1)&(2) and 17(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 18).
- [7] Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex VII (part B point 11).