Chemical hazards in our food : EU food safety policy protects us but faces challenges; Special report No 02, 2019

Food safety is a high priority for the EU and affects all citizens. The EU aims to protect its citizens from hazards that may be present in food. We checked whether the EU food safety model, specifically as regards chemical hazards, is soundly based and implemented. We found that the model is soundly based, respected worldwide and that European citizens enjoy one of the highest levels of assurance on the safety of their food in the world. However, we also found that the EU food safety model is currently over-stretched, and faces certain challenges. We make recommendations to the Commission on how to address these challenges and improve the functioning of the food safety model.