European Quality
Food safety in the EU: legal foundations
Food safety and quality in the European Union are a priority, reflecting the general food law established in 2002. Its primary objective is to ensure a high level of consumer protection and the smooth functioning of the internal market by harmonizing food safety regulations across all member states. Such an approach facilitates free trade in food and guarantees that all food products introduced to the EU market are safe for consumers.
Farm to Fork: a sustainable supply chain
The EU places great emphasis on ensuring that food is safe from “Farm to Fork.” This means that food safety is monitored at every stage of the supply chain – from agricultural production, through processing, to distribution and final sale. The aim of this strategy is also to promote sustainable and efficient management of natural resources throughout the agricultural and food sector. Through regulations, the European Union strives to minimize the negative impact on the environment, improve public health, and support innovation and competitiveness in the European agricultural sector.
The key to safety: quality management systems
The foundation of the food safety system in the EU are quality management systems such as:
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- GHP – Good Hygiene Practice
- GMP – Good Manufacturing Practice
- GAP – Good Agricultural Practices
These internationally recognized standards and procedures aim to identify potential hazards to food safety and prevent them, ensuring that all food products are produced, stored, and transported in a manner that maintains their high quality and safety.
Quality assurance: high standards and strict control
Control and monitoring of food safety in the European Union are carried out by the European Commission and by national supervisory bodies. The Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) supports these activities by conducting inspections to ensure that producers comply with EU standards. The RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) allows for the immediate exchange of information between member states about detected threats, enabling quick actions to protect public health.
Innovation and progress: the future of production and quality
Production principles and quality systems in the EU are constantly being improved to not only meet the growing demands of consumers but also to respond to new challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. The European Union promotes agricultural and production practices that are environmentally friendly, support animal welfare, and guarantee the high quality of the food produced. All this makes European food valued for its quality, safety, and unique taste.
The richness of the natural environment: the rural landscape
The rural areas of the European Union are incredibly diverse, from extensive farms to picturesque estates. Agriculture has for centuries shaped the beauty of the rural natural environment, creating a mosaic of forests, wetlands, and open spaces. More enterprises are being created in these areas, which also become an attractive place to live for families.
A modern tool for environmental protection: CAP
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the main tool for regulating agriculture in the EU, focusing on the development of sustainable agricultural practices that respect the environment. It supports farmers in their positive role in maintaining ecological balance in rural areas through agri-environmental programs and other support measures.
The main objectives of the CAP include supporting agriculture, developing rural areas, ensuring an adequate income for farmers, and protecting the environment. It is a policy that concerns all EU countries, managed and financed at the European level, aiming to ensure sustainable ecological and socio-economic balance in rural areas.
