Consumers: Food safety
Who is responsible for food safety in the EU? The EU has long had scientific committees responsible for preparing opinions as a basis for EU rules on health and food safety. In 2002, the EU also set up the European Food Safety Authority: an authority...
Who is responsible for food safety in the EU?
The EU has long had scientific committees responsible for preparing opinions as a basis for EU rules on health and food safety. In 2002, the EU also set up the European Food Safety Authority: an authority that is both scientifically and technically competent. The tasks of the European Food Authority are mainly six:
¤ It provides scientific advice on food safety in general and also on specific issues. The Commission, the European Parliament and the member states can all ask for this advice.
¤ It provides technical advice which will be the backbone of food policy.
¤ It collects and analyses data which will be necessary to monitor the food chain in the EU.
¤ It identifies risks and gives early warnings. Through this system, member states are obliged to notify the Commission and other member states immediately in the case of an outbreak.
¤ It supports the Commission should a crisis arise.
¤ It communicates with the general public on all food-safety- related measures.