Food Claims Research Centre
Evidence is central to a fair, safe and sustainable food system, yet scientific insights do not automatically translate into regulation, innovation or public trust. At the Food Claims Research Centre (FCRC), we study how scientific knowledge, legal frameworks and societal values interact in the domain of food safety, health and sustainability.
Our work spans the full risk-analysis cycle: from evidence generation to regulatory design and risk communication. With an interdisciplinary team combining nutrition science, law, regulatory science and public health, we aim to strengthen the links between science, policy and society. We help to ensure that food claims, labels and emerging food innovations rest on solid scientific foundations and are communicated in a transparent, equitable way.
We combine qualitative and quantitative research, legal and policy analysis, experiments and stakeholder engagement. Projects include Monitoring the Safe Introduction of Novel Foods (MoSIN), Protein Transition 2.0, and Brightlands NovaBite. Through these projects, the FCRC connects research excellence with societal impact, helping to make food innovation responsible, inclusive and future-proof.
In collaboration with regional partners, UM faculties and European research networks, FCRC aims to bridge science, regulation and society — contributing to transparent, responsible food innovation and empowering consumers to make informed choices.
Research themes
FCRC’s research is structured around six interlinked themes. Together, they reflect our ambition to advance the science-policy interface in food systems and support informed, equitable food choices.
Evidence generation Understanding how scientific knowledge on food safety, health and sustainability is produced
Reliable food regulation starts with reliable science. This theme studies how evidence is generated to assess the safety, health effects and sustainability of foods and food innovations. We analyse how research methods, testing strategies and study designs shape the credibility and usability of data in risk assessment. Our work explores how New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), data sharing and open science can strengthen evidence for food law. By mapping how knowledge travels from laboratory to policy, we help ensure that food innovations are built on transparent, reproducible and trustworthy science.
Related projects:
- Monitoring the Safe Introduction of Novel Foods (MoSIN)
- Protein Transition 2.0
- (finished) Waarde van Groenten en Fruit
- (finished) Alternatives to Animal Testing in Risk Assessment (contributing to ILSI Europe Task Force on new methodologies)
Evidence use Connecting scientific insights with legal and regulatory frameworks
How do new scientific insights shape food law and policy? In this theme, we study how evidence is used - or sometimes overlooked - in decision-making processes within European and national regulatory systems. By combining legal analysis and policy research, we uncover how risk assessment and risk management interact in practice and how the design of procedures can support or hinder innovation. Our goal is to clarify how science-based legislation can remain both protective and adaptive in a rapidly changing food system.
Related projects:
- Protein Transition 2.0
- Food Screening EMR
- (finished) European Parliament Study on Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation
- (finished) Regulation of personalised health in Europe
Impact of evidence Evaluating how regulation and policy affect innovation and society
Evidence-based regulation aims to protect consumers and stimulate innovation, but what are its real-world effects? This theme investigates how scientific evidence and legal instruments influence food innovation, market dynamics and consumer behaviour. We assess the consequences of regulatory decisions for public health, sustainability transitions and trust in institutions. By identifying where regulation supports or constrains innovation, we contribute to more balanced, future-oriented policies.
Related projects:
- Protein Transition 2.0
- Monitoring the Safe Introduction of Novel Foods (MoSIN)
- Nutrivigilance in the Netherlands
Food information and trust Studying how consumers understand and value food information
Food information, from labels to digital tools, and ranging from mandatory (safety) to voluntary (health) information plays a key role in guiding consumer choices. This theme explores how nutrition, health and sustainability claims are perceived, and how transparency and communication can build trust in science and policy. We study the balance between providing accurate information and avoiding misleading messages. Our findings help policymakers, producers and communicators improve how foods are presented, empowering citizens to make informed choices.
Related projects
- Nutri-Score: A case study into the application and alignment of Nutri-Score and claims on the Dutch market
- KAAZ
- (finished) Changing meat on the plate
Innovations in risk analysis Developing new tools and approaches for future-proof food assessment
As food technologies evolve and societal demands change, so must the ways we assess food safety and benefits. This theme focuses on innovation in risk analysis: integrating new testing strategies, digital tools and ethical perspectives into assessment frameworks. We study how data-driven approaches and cross-disciplinary collaboration can modernise risk analysis to meet societal and scientific needs. Our work supports regulators and innovators in aligning scientific advances with public values and safety standards.
Related projects:
- Monitoring the Safe Introduction of Novel Foods (MoSIN)
- Towards safe, sustainable and nutritious circular food systems: The role of EU risk analysis and innovation
Science, society and co-creation Engaging citizens and stakeholders in shaping food regulation
Food policy and food law affects everyone, and benefits from everyone’s voice. This theme explores participatory and co-created approaches to food research and regulation. We involve citizens, producers, and policymakers in the design, implementation and reflection of research projects, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. Through citizen science, dialogue and societal partnerships, we make food law and policy more inclusive and transparent.
Related projects:
- Brightlands NovaBite: connecting citizens, companies and researchers in product optimisation.