Partly or wholly dehydrated preserved milk Partly or wholly dehydrated preserved milk for human consumption is produced and marketed in accordance with specific Community provisions. Council Directive 2001/114/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to certain partly or wholly dehydrated preserved milk for human consumption. [See amending acts]. Harmonisation of legislation governing the placing on the market of dehydrated milk is part of the drive to […]
Quick-frozen food Quick-freezing, packaging, labelling and inspection of quick-frozen foodstuffs are harmonised at European level. Quick-frozen foodstuffs must be labelled as “quick-frozen” and indicate the batch identification. The freezing temperature must be -18°C or lower, except during transport and delivery. The only cryogenic media authorised are air, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Council Directive 89/108/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of the laws of […]
Processed cereal-based foods Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children are very closely monitored in the European Union. The legislation lays down harmonised standards for the composition (list of authorised products) and labelling of products of this type. Pesticide residues which may endanger the health of this sensitive population group are prohibited or controlled on the basis of maximum permissible quantities […]
Nutrition labelling Nutrition labelling is harmonised throughout the European Union. It is optional, but becomes compulsory if a nutrition claim appears on the label or in advertising. Council Directive 90/496/EEC of 24 September 1990 on nutrition labelling rules of foodstuffs [See amending act(s)]. This Directive concerns nutrition labelling of foodstuffs for the final consumer and for mass caterers (restaurants, hospitals, canteens, etc.). The Directive does […]
Hygiene for food of animal origin In the context of the review of food hygiene legislation ‘hygiene package’, this regulation lays down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin in order to ensure a high level of food safety and public health. Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 29 April 2004, laying down specific hygiene rules for […]
Contaminants in food Contaminants are substances not intentionally added to food. These substances may be present in food as a result of production, packing, transport or storage, or as a result of environmental contamination. In order to limit the negative impact of contaminants in food and to prevent the risks to human health, the European Union (EU) is taking measures to reduce the level of contaminants […]
Natural mineral waters The harmonisation of the provisions concerning natural mineral waters improves their free movement in the internal market. This Directive also enhances consumer protection, and lays down the conditions for prevention and intervention in the event of threats to public health. Directive 2009/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters […]
Labelling and presentation of foodstuffs. EU directives deal with the labelling, packaging, and presentation of prepackaged foodstuffs. It applies to foodstuffs to be delivered to a final consumer or to intermediaries such as restaurants, canteens, hospitals, similar persons who cater en masse. It does not apply to products intended for export outside the European Union. Labelling, presentation, and advertisement of foodstuffs must not mislead the […]
Information management IM system for official controls to ensure compliance with agri-food chain rules Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715 — rules for the functioning of the information management system for official controls and its system components (the IMSOC Regulation) The legal basis of the IMSOC Implementing Regulation derives from the general food law (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), the animal health law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429), the plant […]
Traceability of pre-packaged foods Directive 2011/91/EU on indications or marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs.It has applied since 5 January 2012. —It makes sure that consumers can trace the origin of pre-packaged foods. —It requires these foods to be labelled so that consumers can see which lot they come from. —It ensures that public health and food safety authorities can find out […]
European Union Genetically modified organisms A good deal of the EU legislation is designed at controlling risks from the deliberate use and release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. There is a EU framework for release of GMOs and marketing of them in accordance with the so-called precautionary principle. The legislation aims to establish a common methodology for the risk-assessment and safety. The consent […]