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A single entity, a single set of rules

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Agriculture in the EU

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 Member States. With an estimated population of about 446 million, the EU is one of the largest trading blocs in the world, including the agri-food sector, which employs over 4 million workers and over 300 000 businesses. 


The European food system is recognised and trusted because of its harmonised, single set of food laws. The General Food Law Regulation applies to all EU and national measures relating to food and feed, pertaining to the production, processing and distribution of all EU agricultural food products. The core objectives of this legislation include ensuring food safety, improving food quality and generating consumer confidence.

EU food law protects as much the consumer, by guaranteeing high-quality and safe agricultural food products, as the health of the planet. 

The EU mark of quality

The uniform legislation enables consumers to trust high-quality products and make informed choices using EU-wide certified labelling schemes. Geographical indications (GI) protect the reputation of specific product names as well as the regional production processes that shape culinary heritage throughout Europe. GIs are increasingly recognised as intellectual property, protecting EU agricultural products on the market in Europe and internationally.
 

The European food safety model

Food safety legislation

The European Union’s laws and standards are harmonised and mandatory for all EU countries, but also apply to imported and exported goods. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) supports EU policymakers with scientific advice on food safety issues.

Food safety controls

The effectiveness of the legislation is ensured through food safety controls at 3 levels: European, national and business-operator level. In addition to controls, the EU also provides trainings to food authorities to make sure that all standards and regulations are applied correctly.

Consumer information

The European model also promotes an active dialogue with consumers through consumer information. All European citizens have the right to know how the food they eat is produced, processed, packaged, labelled and sold. Mandatory food labelling gives consumers clear information about the food on their plates and helps them to make healthy food choices.

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