For the fifth year in a row, EFSA and HAPIH educate consumers about food safety

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (HAPIH) have launched the fifth edition of the informative and educational campaign Safe2Eat, aimed at bringing food safety topics closer to consumers and encouraging them to think critically about what they eat. This year, the campaign is being conducted in as many as 23 European countries. In addition to ongoing topics relevant to consumers—such as proper food handling, food labeling, foodborne illnesses, food waste, and novel foods—the Croatian edition of the campaign this year is also addressing a new and increasingly relevant topic: dietary supplements.

According to the latest research conducted by HAPIH, nearly one-third of Croatian citizens use dietary supplements, with the highest usage among children—41% of them take supplements, which is twice as many as adults. The most popular are vitamins, multivitamins, and mineral supplements such as magnesium and iron.

The number of dietary supplements on the Croatian market has increased by 30% over the past five years, which has led to a growing number of consumer questions about their safety and effectiveness. That’s why the Safe2Eat campaign, through scientifically grounded information, helps citizens make informed and responsible decisions about food.

At the launch of this year’s campaign, experts emphasized the importance of being informed, reading labels, and consulting with nutritionists, doctors, or pharmacists to ensure that supplement intake meets real individual needs. It was also stressed that dietary supplements are not a substitute for a quality diet, but rather a support in specific health situations or special circumstances—such as vitamin D deficiency during the winter months.

The Communications office Colić, Laco and partners is once again providing comprehensive communication support for the Safe2Eat campaign this year. More information is available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/hr/safe2eat