Functional Foods (Ethics of Science and Technology Assessment)

The Europiiische Akademie is concerned with the study of scientific and technolog­ ical advances for the individual, society and the natural environment. The work of the academy is interdisciplinary drawing on relevant academic disciplines so far as they can inform the debate on consequences and suggest solutions. This book is dedicated to the issue of Functional Foods, a rather topical issue with important ramifications for the overall quality of life. It is the result of the Europiiische Akademie's working group "Functional Foods" which worked from January 2001 to June 2003. Since the times of Hippocrates, we view "food as our medicine, and medicine as our food"; a view that is confirmed by nowadays science which agrees that diet is related to health, well-being and the prevention of disease. At the same time, food­ related diseases have reached epidemic proportions in western societies while obe­ sity is spreading rapidly in all parts and strata of modern society. The cost for the health system is significant while the reduction in quality of life is immeasurable.

Functional Foods are being introduced into society at a particularly sensitive moment.

Diet-related diseases have assumed proper epidemic proportions significantly affecting the quality of life while obesity is spreading not only to the majority of the adult population but also, more worryingly, to young people who rarely have the option of alternative diets. As scientific proof for the link between diet and disease accumulation, there are increasingly louder calls for policy action.

At the same time, food has been high on the political agenda in recent years. As a result of food scandals such as BSE, dioxin and foot and mouth disease, and also partly due to public discontent arising from the introduction of genetically modified foodstuffs in the market, food has become a main issue in public debates and a focal point of political activity in Europe. Consumer trust in food production and the ability of authorities to protect them has been eroded, as there is widespread suspicion in public transparency and important information is lacking. Consequently, there are also calls for more coherence, transparency and accountability in food issues.

It is within this situation that Functional Foods have been developed. They assume a highly targeted solution to diet related diseases with effective reduction of risk and improved physical and mental well-being, but are still faced with a host of unresolved issues. This report reviews Functional Foods from a multidisciplinary perspective focusing on safety, legal/policy aspects, economy, public perceptions and ethics. It attempts to clarify the main issues and provides comprehensive recommendations for policymaking.