Foods that are marketed by the food industry under the label “superfood” are often associated by consumers with positive effects on human health. The term is usually used to promote plant-based foods (e.g., fruits, berries, seeds, and various vegetables) that are naturally rich sources of vitamins, minerals and secondary plant compounds. Additionally, dietary supplements that contain certain botanical extracts or other substances with nutritional or physiological effects are also often promoted as “superfoods”. As they are not legally defined, a wide range of products are currently being marketed as “superfoods”.
However, certain foods marketed in this way, especially in concentrated form, may also pose health risks.
The aim of the event is therefore to present and discuss aspects of scientific assessment and regulation of foods sold under the marketing term “superfood” in the context of consumer health protection.