EU Specialty Food Ingredients unveils guide to help readers interpret scientific research responsibly

EU Specialty Food Ingredients, the European association representing producers of specialty ingredients for the food and drink sector, has launched a new digital guide designed to help readers better understand, evaluate and communicate scientific research.

Titled Behind the Evidence – How to Interpret Scientific Research, the brochure offers a clear introduction to the fundamentals of scientific inquiry, explaining key research methods and how to identify misleading or unreliable claims. It is intended for a broad audience, from media professionals and influencers to consumers and industry stakeholders seeking a more informed view of scientific findings.

The association said the guide was developed in response to the growing accessibility of scientific studies online and their increasing use in public debate and social media. In this environment, research findings are often cited or shared without proper context or peer review, leading to widespread misinformation.

“When communicating about scientific studies, whether in online forums, as an influencer or through media publications, it is essential to ensure that results are interpreted properly and to avoid making misleading, disproven or sensationalized claims,” the organization said.

The guide emphasizes the particular responsibility of “amplifiers” such as influencers and content creators, who play a key role in shaping how scientific results reach the public. It urges these communicators to verify the soundness of the studies they reference before sharing them with followers.

Saskia Kliphuis, President of EU Specialty Food Ingredients, said the initiative aims to improve public understanding of scientific evidence and prevent the distortion of research in the media. “The booklet was created to explain research methods and provide our members and all readers with a reliable compass for interpreting studies responsibly without sensationalism,” she said. “Science evolves, but its foundation remains the rigorous examination of evidence. Our aim is simple: raise the quality of science communication, so that decisions about specialty ingredients are based on evidence, not headlines.”

In developing Behind the Evidence, the association sought to balance accessibility with scientific rigor. The guide explains fundamental differences between research designs, such as clinical trials and epidemiological studies, and clarifies commonly misunderstood statistical terms. It also provides a concise overview of what makes evidence robust, helping readers discern whether findings are preliminary, observational, or based on randomized controlled trials.

As a practical resource, the brochure includes a short checklist summarizing key questions to consider when assessing a scientific publication. These include evaluating the study’s design, understanding the population sampled, checking for peer review, and distinguishing between correlation and causation.

EU Specialty Food Ingredients said the tool was designed for anyone wishing to better navigate the growing volume of scientific information online. It is particularly relevant to those preparing content for public audiences, such as journalists, editors, or social media commentators, who often work under tight deadlines and may lack formal scientific training.

“Many editorial environments today operate under significant time and efficiency pressures,” the organization noted. “That is why we developed a brochure with practical advice and guidelines for everyone who wants to understand and communicate study results accurately.”

The association said the handbook serves not only as an educational tool but also as a “working aid” for professionals tasked with summarizing complex data for non-specialist readers. By promoting more careful and evidence-based interpretation, it aims to foster trust in science and reduce the spread of misinformation across digital platforms.

Behind the Evidence – How to Interpret Scientific Research is available for download on the EU Specialty Food Ingredients website and will be shared actively with members and stakeholders across the sector.