Citizens of the European Union enjoy one of the highest standards of food safety in the world, yet WHO estimates that every year in the European region 23 million people fall ill due to foodborne diseases, resulting in 5000 deaths. Even in the developed world, the ingestion and handling of contaminated food cause widespread illnesses, resulting in an increased burden on public health and significant economic implications. The agri-food sector represents a lion’s share of the EU economy, providing around 44 million jobs; 7.5% of Europeans are employed in production and processing, generating 3.7% of the total value added. Balancing the needs of industry, whilst simultaneously ensuring consumer protection and encouraging sustainability, is a primary challenge in the contemporary European political climate.

In order to minimize the risks to public health and to the wider economic system, the European Union has put in place several legislative tools aimed at enhancing food safety. With a budget of €1.9 million between 2014 and 2020, the first comprehensive Financial Framework Regulation for the Food Chain provides finance for controls, measures to improve animal and plant health and scientific research, as well as awareness-raising and information programmes. Another main goal of EU food safety policy is to ensure sustainability of the food system. To this end, in 2015 the Commission has included the reduction of food waste in its Circular Economy Package, and established a new EU Platform on food losses and food waste to define measures to be adopted. 

Consumer protection on food safety is ensured via early warning systems. Of these, the RASFF is the EU’s first response mechanism for serious health threats caused by food or feed. It allows for quick intervention, facilitating communication among member States, allowing risks to be contained before they become harmful to consumers. By December 2016 the new FIC regulation will also enter fully into force, ensuring that nutrient and harmonised allergens information is legible and clearly displayed on food products.

Besides governance, innovation drives development, with GMOs and GM foods as a response to food security, but also new technological food contact materials and new smart agricultural techniques. The introduction of digital technologies within the agri-food chain is of great promise, but sector-wide inclusion is yet to occur.

The scope of actions required to ensure food safety is broad and encompassing, yet several challenges still remain. The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as one of the most troubling health problems of modern times. Europe’s increasingly ageing population is also a matter of concern, the elderly and infants being the most exposed to the health risks connected to food safety. Moreover, damage to the image of food safety and a fall in consumer confidence in the EU would have severe repercussions for the whole industry. Ensuring safety standards will have a cost, and how much of it will have to be shouldered by private actors remains to be seen.

This timely symposium will provide an invaluable opportunity for experts, policy makers, NGOs and other key stakeholders to discuss the latest European regulatory initiatives surrounding food safety, consumer protection, and innovation, in order to foster a resilient and sustainable agri-food chain. The symposium will also allow delegates to assess the current and future challenges facing the global food system, and to share best practice from across Europe.