Evidence Layers

What the label reveals. Grounded in science.

These modules are based on scientific and regulatory evidence from WHO, EFSA, FDA, and Codex Alimentarius. They explain what the evidence says, what BOTIA can detect, and what cannot be concluded from a label alone.

Why evidence matters

Food labels are legal documents before they are human explanations. An ingredient can be authorised, declared correctly, and still carry documented health implications that never appear on the packaging. BOTIA connects what the label says to what the science says.

What 'evidence' means in BOTIA

BOTIA does not use opinions or trends. Every signal in these modules is grounded in published guidelines or scientific opinions from WHO, EFSA, FDA, IARC, or Codex Alimentarius. When the evidence is under review or contested, BOTIA says so. Uncertainty is part of the information.

Explore by evidence layer

BOTIA Hidden Sugar — detects free sugars on food labels
Sugar
Free sugars under WHO criteria, and rapidly digestible carbohydrates that behave similarly without being classified as such.
 BOTIA Sweeteners — non-sugar sweeteners detection
Sweeteners
Non-sugar sweeteners — WHO advises against them for weight control.
 BOTIA Texture Modifiers — thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers
Texture
Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers — markers of ultra-processed food.
 BOTIA Flavourings — flavour enhancers and ultra-processed markers
Flavourings
Natural and artificial flavour enhancers added when base ingredients lack taste.
 BOTIA E-numbers — EU authorised food additives explained
E-numbers
EU authorised food additives — authorised does not always mean without debate.
 BOTIA Ultra-Processed — NOVA classification explained
Ultra-Processed
What NOVA means and why the whole formulation matters, not just the parts.

Evidence vs personal choice

Evidence modules signal documented scientific concern. They do not tell you what to eat. Other BOTIA modules — Muslim Choice and Animal Origin — support personal, ethical or religious decisions. The two families are separate. Both are transparent.

How BOTIA uses evidence

Each module connects a label ingredient to official scientific and regulatory sources.

BOTIA signals presence, explains what the evidence says, and clearly states what cannot be concluded from a label alone.

When the evidence is inconclusive or under active review, BOTIA says so. Honest uncertainty is better than false confidence.

BOTIA CAN

  • Detect ingredients flagged in official scientific guidelines.
  • Explain what WHO, EFSA or FDA say about each ingredient.
  • Signal when evidence is under review or contested.

BOTIA CANNOT

  • Tell you whether this product is safe for you personally.
  • Quantify your exposure or calculate cumulative risk.
  • Replace medical, nutritional or professional advice.

Sources: WHO Sugars Guideline (2015) · WHO Non-Sugar Sweeteners (2023) · EFSA Food Additives · FDA Food Additives · Codex Alimentarius

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