Sustainability criteria in the food industry & preparation for the future knowledge

Question 1. Does the European Green Deal apply to individual products or to businesses?

Answer: The European Green Deal (EGD) applies to all levels, from product to business

• For individual products, the EGD sets out environmental, social, and economic standards for products sold in the EU. 
• For businesses, the EGD requires businesses to take measures to reduce their negative impact on the environment, society, and the economy.

Question 2. According to the European Green Deal (EGD), do companies using cardboard boxes need to require FSC certification from paper source:

Answer: There are currently no specific regulations on FSC certification from paper sources in the EGD. However, FSC certification is an international certification for sustainable forest management, which applies to businesses that exploit and use wood.
This certification is assessed based on criteria for forest protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable economic development.
Using FSC-certified paper sources can help businesses reduce their negative impact on the environment, demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development, enhance their brand reputation, and expand their markets. It also meets the environmental standards of the EGD.
Although the European Union has not yet clearly stipulated the requirement for FSC certification for cardboard box materials, it is currently necessary, so it is recommended to require suppliers to have FSC certification.

Question 3. Why is beef subject to EUDR? 

Answer: The EUDR does not explain the reason for this, but based on the speaker's personal opinion, there are a few possible reasons to consider:

• Cattle must be raised on pastures, which are related to deforestation.
• In addition, the EUDR not only talks about forests but also about labor commitments. In remote areas, child labor is used too much, so management is necessary.
• Besides that, the European Union imports a lot of beef, which is one of the eight main food groups imported into the European market. When raising cattle, it can affect biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 4. If a company has a sustainable farm standard that the company has compiled and hired a third-party independent evaluation and certification agency, can it be used as evidence for the part of the raw materials that meet the EUDR:

Answer: The deforestation regulation requires companies to ensure that their products are legal (in accordance with the laws of the country of production and not related to deforestation). If compiled independently, it can be hired by a third party for certification. It is important to consider whether the third party is suitable and whether the content of the audit is in line with the requirements of the EUDR. It is recommended to choose a third party that is able to evaluate all of Article 10 in Section 115 of the EUDR. And wait for Europe to decide who can be the assessor.

Question 5. My company exports by jumbo bag using wooden pallets and cardboard mats. Are there any specific requirements for suppliers of materials and my company?

Answer: Currently, if the export volume is not large, it will not have much impact. If the export volume is large, it will affect the laws of the host country. Jumbo does not have specific regulations that must meet the EUDR.

Question 6. Can you give me more information about the regulations or standards for foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat?

Answer: Currently, the European Union has regulations on these ingredients at the following: "Nutrition and Health Claims. R 1924/2006"

Nutrition and Health Claims. R 1924/2006

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