Ban Flashy Food Packaging to Protect Consumers

Subject: Petition to Ban the Use of Flashy, High-Intensity Colors on Food Packaging to Reduce Overconsumption

Dear Committee on Petitions,

I, the undersigned, a citizen of the European Union, respectfully request that you initiate measures to restrict or prohibit the use of flashy, aggressively marketing-oriented colors on food packaging throughout the European Union.

Justification:

Psychological manipulation and overconsumption: Scientific research shows that loud, high-intensity colors (such as neon tones, bright red, and vivid yellow) subconsciously influence consumer decisions. These colors trigger impulse buying, leading consumers to purchase significantly more food than they actually need.

Environmental considerations: Overconsumption directly contributes to increased food waste. The EU is committed to sustainability, yet food that is unnecessarily purchased and subsequently discarded leaves a substantial ecological footprint.

Public health impacts: Flashy packaging is often used to promote ultra-processed products high in sugar or salt, contributing to obesity and the spread of related chronic diseases.

Request: I respectfully ask the Committee to examine the possibility of a regulation that would standardize the visual appearance of food packaging—similar to the neutral packaging rules applied to tobacco products, or by setting limits on color saturation. Such regulation would help ensure consumers' right to make conscious, uninfluenced choices.

In the interest of fostering a sustainable and informed European consumer society, I kindly request that my petition be accepted and given due consideration.

Sincerely, Zoltán Bíró

Supporters can sign the petition after it has been officially accepted by the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions.

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