International Standards/Harmonization

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A new publication from FAO analyzes existing regulatory frameworks related to online food sales and presents recommendations to national authorities on the development of food e-commerce laws and enforcement.

Responding to the global infant formula recall affecting products from Nestlé, Danone, and other producers, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has determined concentrations of cereulide in formula that pose a safety concern to guide risk management decisions that protect public health.

Following a global recall of infant formula products due to cereulide toxin contamination, EU officials are taking steps to prevent illnesses from cereulide-tainted formula in the future. Cases of mild illness associated with recalled product have been reported in Europe.

The scientific opinion was published to provide a scientific basis for possible amendments to existing requirements in EU legislation for food business operators on the freezing of meat.

The document clarifies key points about the scope of and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which bans the use of BPA and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials on the EU market.

The European Commission has established a task force to strengthen food safety controls for food imports, building upon a broader set of measures announced in December.

If adopted, the draft regulations would bring mandatory allergen labeling, a new business licensing scheme, and updated food hygiene rules to the British Crown Dependency.

The guidance defines the scientific data required to evaluate if a food additive is safe under the proposed conditions of use as part of new food additive applications in the EU.

In a new report, the EU Court of Auditors say control systems for olive oil are “comprehensive but unevenly applied,” with some Member States inconsistently conducting contamination, authenticity, and traceability checks.

On January 1, three new EU reference laboratories for foodborne and waterborne diseases became officially operational, bringing the total number to nine. These laboratories will help national public health laboratories improve testing, data quality, and outbreak preparedness related to food- and waterborne pathogens.