Policy area

Food safety

The EU's food safety policy covers food from farm to fork. It is designed to guarantee safe, nutritious food and animal feed, high standards of animal health and welfare and plant protection, as well as clear information on the origin, content, labelling and use of food.

Commissioner
Vytenis Andriukaitis

Policy

  • Additives, enzymes and flavourings

    Additives, enzymes and flavourings

    Food additives, enzymes and flavourings are regulated by EU law.

  • Animal feed

    Animal feed

    The 450 million tons of feed required annually for animals raised in the EU are regulated for hygiene, medication and additives.

  • Animal health and welfare

    Animal health and welfare

    The EU aims to protect and improve animal living conditions and health, in particular for food-producing animals.

  • Bacteria, viruses, parasites and prions

    Bacteria, viruses, parasites and prions

    A co-ordinated and holistic approach towards food hygiene can avoid biological hazards, which may include bacteria, viruses, parasites and prions.

  • Chemicals in food

    Chemicals in food

    EU legislation on chemicals tries to achieve a high level of health protection for the consumer based on sound scientific evaluation.

  • Food improvement agents

    Food improvement agents

    Food additives, enzymes and flavourings are regulated by EU law.

  • Food waste

    Food waste

    Food waste is an ethical and economic issue that also depletes the environment of limited natural resources.

  • Genetically modified organisms (GMO)

    Genetically modified organisms (GMO)

    EU legislation ensures that the development of modern biotechnology, especially genetically modified organisms (GMO), is safe.

  • Labelling and nutrition

    Labelling and nutrition

    Labelling gives consumers comprehensive information on the contents and the composition of food products, ensuring access to information on quality food.

  • Novel foods

    Novel foods

    Newly developed food and production processes as well as food traditionally eaten outside of the EU must be safe for consumers and properly labelled.

  • Plant health and pesticides

    Plant health and pesticides

    The EU sets rules on plant health, regulates the marketing of plant reproductive material, and sets rules for the sustainable use of pesticides.