Food manufacturers and retailers need to track legal, regulatory and policy developments in food law to predict the scale of, and prepare for, upcoming changes that affect their operations and profit margins. European food policy varies from food labelling, to health and safety standards, the banning or approval of certain ingredients and the regulation of marketing and advertising activities. Legislative debates in the European Parliament and European Council, along with measures taken by the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and member state regulatory authorities and government departments inform the development of both European and global food policies which have a direct effect on companies operating along the entire agri-food business chain.Key facts about European food policy
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Key themes affecting European food policy
The European food sector is impacted by a wide range of policies. Geopolitcal decisions such as trade deals, and the UK leaving the European Union in 2020, create the need for additional legal frameworks for food companies and manufacturers to abide by. Changing consumer habits and environmental sustainability continue to place increasing pressure on policy changes, including animal welfare legislation in the farming industry, better protection of biodiversity in the food supply chain, the phasing out of palm oil due to its global environmental impact and origin labelling on food products.
A revised novel foods regulation is giving the food industry scope to bring more innovative foods onto the market in 2020 whilst, at the same time, restrictions will remain on expanding genetically modified food technology. The new official controls regulation, which entered into force in December 2019, overhauls the previous regime and will tighten border controls on certain animals and products from third countries.
| Major European food policy legislation and/or upcoming policies | |
| Official Controls Regulation (2017/625)
| In force December 2019 |
| Revised Novel Food Regulation (2015/2283)
| In force since 2018 |
| Nutrient profiles in Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (1924/2006)
| Set to be drawn up in 2020 |
| Food contact materials Regulation (1935/2004)
| Evaluation throughout 2020 |
| Five “Breakfast Directives”
| Revision set for 2020 |
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