The European Commission has opened a call for feedback on proposed amendments to EU food and feed safety law, the aim of which are to reduce the regulatory burden on industry and the administrative burden on Member State authorities.

The changes would simplify and clarify regulatory requirements for plant protection products, biocidal products, feed additives, food hygiene, and official controls, among other measures to streamline EU food law. In line with the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, the proposal contributes to overarching objectives, such as increasing the competitiveness of EU farmers and the food and feed industry.

The Commission also suggests that the changes, among other benefits, would accelerate the time to market for biocontrol substances and products. According to the proposal, this would address the issue of farmers facing a “shrinking toolbox” as older pest control products lose authorization and new alternatives—in particular, biopesticides—are slow to gain approval and reach the market.

Specifically, the proposal would streamline food and feed additive regulations in several targeted areas:

• Authorization and renewal procedures for plant protection products and biocidal products
• Clarifications related to terminology and transitional measures for the setting of maximum residue levels for pesticides, the modification and renewal of authorizations, and labeling requirements for feed additives, including digital labeling options
• Notification procedures for national hygiene measures
• The Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance and risk management framework
• Flexibility in official checks of plant consignments at border control posts
• Accreditation requirements for reference laboratories
• Clarification related to the legal status of fermentation products manufactured using genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs)
• Pesticide application by drones under safe conditions.

Although the changes are expected to reduce regulatory burdens and compliance costs, the Commission believes food safety and animal, environmental, and human health will be maintained.

The feedback period is open until October 14, 2025. Comments can be submitted here.