EU regulatory framework

EFSA operates under what is called the General Food Law. Following food safety incidents in the late 1990s, the European Commission developed a comprehensive approach to food safety and, in 2002, the European Parliament and Council adopted Regulation EC 178/2002, establishing the general principles of the food and feed law and founding the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA is an agency of the European Union set up to serve as an impartial source of scientific advice to risk managers and to communicate on risks associated with the food chain.

The General Food Law Regulation serves as the foundation for food and feed legislation across the EU. It sets out guidelines for food safety, covering all stages of production and distribution. The regulation aims to protect human health and consumers' interests while ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market.