Click Eat

One prominent example of the same food being made under both EU and U.S. rules is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. The product's formulation differs significantly between the two regions due to regulatory and ingredient differences.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the U.S.

Ingredients: The U.S. version often contains artificial dyes such as Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which give the cheese its bright orange colour. The FDA approves these dyes for use in food, but they have been linked to various health concerns, including hyperactivity in children.

Preservative: It includes preservatives such as sodium phosphate to extend shelf life and maintain the product's texture and appearance.

Nutritional Content: The U.S. version may also contain more sodium and other additives compared to its European counterpart.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the E.U.

Ingredients: The EU version of Kraft "Cheesey Pasta" does not contain the artificial dyes found in the U.S. version. Instead, natural colourants like paprika and beta-carotene are used to achieve the desired colour.

Regulatory Compliance: Due to stricter regulations in the EU regarding food additives and artificial ingredients, the product formulation avoids many of the chemicals allowed in the U.S.

Preservatives: It tends to have fewer preservatives and additives, aligning with the EU's more rigorous food safety and quality standards.

Nutritional Content: The EU version typically has lower sodium levels and may focus more on natural flavours and ingredients.

These differences highlight how regulatory environments influence food manufacturing. In the EU, stricter regulations on food additives and a focus on natural ingredients result in a product with fewer artificial components and potentially healthier nutritional profiles. In contrast, the U.S. version reflects a regulatory environment that allows more artificial additives, which can affect the product's nutritional quality and health implications.