What the EU does The European Union works to make sure that all the food we eat in Europe is safe. EU rules set high standards for how food is produced, processed, transported and sold. Every step of the food chain is covered, so that food reaching our plates is both safe and traceable back to its source.The EU’s food-safety laws are based on scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority, which identifies and assesses risks in our food, whether from bacteria, chemicals or other hazards.To make sure these standards are respected, the European Commission and national authorities carry out regular checks and inspections. If a problem arises, such as contaminated products, the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) allows countries to quickly share information and remove unsafe products from the market.The EU also uses digital tools such as TRACES to track animals and food products across borders, preventing the spread of diseases and keeping trade safe.The EU also makes sure consumers have the right information. Clear food-labelling rules mean you can see what’s in your food — from allergens to nutritional values and where it comes from. If a food-safety incident occurs, authorities act fast to inform the public and coordinate recalls when needed.Through its trade agreements and global cooperation, the EU promotes the same strict food-safety standards internationally. In this way, European consumers can trust that the food they buy, wherever it comes from, is safe. Facts about food safety 40 million jobsIn the EU’s food and farming sector€154.9 millionIn food-safety grants provided to EU and non-EU countries in 2023Over 90 countriesUsing the TRACES platform for ensuring food safety and traceability Areas of actionReduction of food wasteImproving the sustainability, safety and affordability of food production and consumptionFood-safety standardsProtecting consumers with strict rules, scientific oversight and rapid alertsPlant health rulesPrevention, monitoring and control of pests and diseases to protect plantsRapid Alert System for Food and FeedEnsuring a swift reaction when risks to public health are detectedEU Pesticides DatabaseInformation on active substances, maximum residue levels and emergency authorisations Key achievements The EU’s General Food Law has established a robust, science-driven system that protects people, animals and the environment, ensuring that all food-safety decisions are based on sound evidence.Since its creation in 2002, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has become the scientific foundation of EU food safety policy, providing trusted scientific advice and clear communication on risks across the food chain.The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has strengthened the EU’s ability to respond swiftly when food-safety risks arise, ensuring that non-compliant products are quickly removed from the market.The TRACES platform for food traceability allows authorities and traders to track the movement of food, animals and feed across borders – enhancing transparency, facilitating trade and helping contain outbreaks of disease or contamination.The Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) enhances collaboration between Member States, ensuring that information on official controls in the agri-food chain is shared efficiently. In focus Zero Waste, More Taste! A cookbook for creative, sustainable cookingFeaturing 27 recipes from top European chefs, ‘Zero Waste, More Taste!’ cookbook shows how everyday leftovers and ingredients often thrown away can become delicious, waste-free meals. Each recipe includes practical tips for reducing food waste and making the most of what’s already in your kitchen. Alongside the cookbook, you can explore 10 short recipe videos packed with quick, easy ideas for transforming scraps into flavourful dishes. Enjoy cooking sustainably and discover how zero-waste cooking can be full of taste, creativity and inspiration.Learn more Latest news 16 December 2025Simpler food and feed safety rules while upholding high health standards and boosting competitiveness of EU producers15 December 2025Questions and answers on the simplification of food and feed safety rulesSee all Related informationDirectorate-General for Health and Food SafetyFundingEU food safety – databases and other online services
The European Union works to make sure that all the food we eat in Europe is safe. EU rules set high standards for how food is produced, processed, transported and sold. Every step of the food chain is covered, so that food reaching our plates is both safe and traceable back to its source.The EU’s food-safety laws are based on scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority, which identifies and assesses risks in our food, whether from bacteria, chemicals or other hazards.To make sure these standards are respected, the European Commission and national authorities carry out regular checks and inspections. If a problem arises, such as contaminated products, the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) allows countries to quickly share information and remove unsafe products from the market.The EU also uses digital tools such as TRACES to track animals and food products across borders, preventing the spread of diseases and keeping trade safe.The EU also makes sure consumers have the right information. Clear food-labelling rules mean you can see what’s in your food — from allergens to nutritional values and where it comes from. If a food-safety incident occurs, authorities act fast to inform the public and coordinate recalls when needed.Through its trade agreements and global cooperation, the EU promotes the same strict food-safety standards internationally. In this way, European consumers can trust that the food they buy, wherever it comes from, is safe.
Reduction of food wasteImproving the sustainability, safety and affordability of food production and consumption
Rapid Alert System for Food and FeedEnsuring a swift reaction when risks to public health are detected
EU Pesticides DatabaseInformation on active substances, maximum residue levels and emergency authorisations
Zero Waste, More Taste! A cookbook for creative, sustainable cookingFeaturing 27 recipes from top European chefs, ‘Zero Waste, More Taste!’ cookbook shows how everyday leftovers and ingredients often thrown away can become delicious, waste-free meals. Each recipe includes practical tips for reducing food waste and making the most of what’s already in your kitchen. Alongside the cookbook, you can explore 10 short recipe videos packed with quick, easy ideas for transforming scraps into flavourful dishes. Enjoy cooking sustainably and discover how zero-waste cooking can be full of taste, creativity and inspiration.Learn more
16 December 2025Simpler food and feed safety rules while upholding high health standards and boosting competitiveness of EU producers
