| Zusammenfassung: |
Abstract: This paper focuses on policy networks and implications surrounding the complex legal requirements on func-<br>tional foods in the European Union (EU). Using social network analysis, we empirically identify relevant network<br>actors, both private and public, and quantitatively analyse network structures in terms of reputation, information<br>exchange, and communication. Although private network actors outnumber public network actors, their<br>importance is incontrovertible higher. The study identifies the European Commissions’ Directorate-General for<br>Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), FoodDrinkEurope, and the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) as the<br>three most powerful network actors; among Council members, Great Britain vested an outstanding position<br>before Brexit. Overall, the findings paint a precise picture of the functional food policy domain network in the EU<br>by linking formal legislative decision-making and informal interest intermediation in policy formulation. Thus,<br>our research shows the importance of information for network actors’ strategic positive positioning
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