After eight months of negotiations, MEPs and the Dutch Presidency of the European Council have agreed draft plans for a regulation intended to combat food fraud and increase food safety. The rule has been described as one of the most important pieces of food safety legislation of the current legislature.
The aim is to restore consumer confidence in the integrity and traceability of food, especially meat products. This was badly shaken by the horsemeat scandal of 2013, in which meat products advertised as containing beef were found to contain undeclared horse meat, in some cases in high proportions. The scandal highlighted the scale and sophistication of food fraud in the EU.
The proposed legislation would bring clear, common, general principles to the whole food chain (controls are currently split among 16 or so regulations or directives). Measures include unannounced, risk-based checks, stronger sanctions where fraudulent or deceptive practices are found, and controls for food imports.
The proposed legislation would bring clear, common, general principles to the whole food chain (controls are currently split among 16 or so regulations or directives). Measures include unannounced, risk-based checks, stronger sanctions where fraudulent or deceptive practices are found, and controls for food imports.
Read more about Sustain's policies for a safe and sustainable food supply here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
