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Taste, enjoy and share EU agricultural food products that are safe, high quality, authentic and sustainable.

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EU Food stories and merits

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Highest standards of quality at every step of the journey to your plate

When it comes to taste, stringent production standards and quality controls are guaranteed for EU agricultural food products from farm to fork. Throughout Europe, skilled farmers and producers have mastered local techniques paired with innovative agricultural methods and storage technologies. Each product is labelled, so you can trace the ingredients and nutritional information back to their origins anywhere in the EU.

Quality

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Excellence in animal breeding

Charolais, Holstein Friesian and Chianina are just some of the world-famous breeds of cattle that happen to be from Europe.
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Prohibition of growth promoters

The use of hormones or antibiotics in meat production in Europe is strongly regulated and controlled, as are fertilisers for fruit and vegetable harvests.
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A wide range of flavours

The diversity of soils, climates and cultures in Europe is reflected in an amazing variety of delicious agricultural food products.
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No compromise on food safety

Food safety is an absolute priority in the EU, one that is based on trust and traceability from farm to fork. Strict health and safety standards monitor everything from pesticides to packaging, disease prevention to hygiene rules and more. Routine controls and mandatory labelling help to protect not only human health but also the health of plants, animals and the environment.

Safety

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Traceability

In the EU, traceability is compulsory for all food and feed businesses. It refers to the ability to track any food, feed, food-producing animal or substance through all stages of production, processing and distribution.
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Animal welfare

The EU has some of the world’s highest standards for animal welfare because healthy animals that live well provide products of higher quality and safety.
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Consumer information rules

EU food labelling schemes are designed to guarantee consumers access to clear and reliable information on the composition of products, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind.
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Traditions and local practices behind authentic tastes and recipes

Centuries of tradition, handed down from generation to generation, give European food its own authentic flavour. Protected designation of origin (PDO) and Protected geographical indication (PGI) labels guarantee that the European products you buy are fully or partially made in their specific region of origin, using know-how and techniques embedded in the region. Both the PDO and PGI labels connect a product’s name to a specific area of production in Europe, ensuring it can’t be reproduced elsewhere.

Authenticity

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Geographical indications and other EU product labelling schemes protect consumers and producers from facing or competing with counterfeit products.
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Local tradition and savoir-faire, perfected by artisans and producers over centuries, contribute to the diverse colours, tastes, textures and aromas found in European cuisines.
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Many world-renowned EU agricultural food products are tightly connected to local breeds, harvests and unique recipes.
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Foodies care about sustainability

The future of European gastronomy depends on a food system that is in harmony with the natural environment. Greener EU policies and standards target the entire chain of production and distribution of EU agricultural food products. Organic farming practices, including more efficient energy and water use and pesticide limitations, are a few of the ways European farmers and producers are helping to mitigate climate change and preserve nature.

Sustainability

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The EU puts in place a Farm to Fork strategy that is at the heart of a European Green Deal policy promoting a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system.
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Animal-derived exports come from carbon-efficient production.
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Organic farming produces healthy food using natural substances and processes.

The European from farm to fork 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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