The European Commission has highlighted the role of food safety in its roadmap for the future of farming and food.

The EU Commission promised to start taking steps in 2025 on standards around hazardous pesticides banned in the EU and on animal welfare.

A principle will be created that the most hazardous pesticides prohibited in the EU for health and environmental reasons are not allowed back in through imported products. Another area of focus is the export of harmful chemicals, including pesticides, that are banned in Europe.

Focus on standards and import controls
The EU Commission also said the rigorous enforcement and controls of food safety standards remains a priority.

“Another non-negotiable element of the unio’s policy towards imports is food and feed safety, animal and plant health. The EU product standards are the highest in the world and ensure that all imported agrifood products are safe. The Commission will ensure that relevant food safety legislation is properly implemented and enforced,” according to the document.

A task force will be established with expertise from the EU Commission and member states to strengthen the control on imports, including improving checks on the ground.

The EU Commission will also consider future bans on the use of pesticides if alternatives are not yet available and will streamline access to biopesticides in the EU market. The introduction of alternatives in the form of biological or low-risk plant protection products has not followed at the same pace as the withdrawal of active substances from the market. If this trend continues, it can affect the EU’s ability to ensure food production, according to the roadmap.

Agriculture is reliant on water, requiring a steady and safe supply to ensure the health and wellbeing of crops and livestock. The EU Commission is working on a Water Resilience Strategy that will cover the need for more efficient water use, reducing water pollution and challenges related to over-abstraction of water resources.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said: “Our farmers take center stage in the EU’s food production system. It is thanks to their daily, hard work that all of us have safe and high-quality food. Yet, our farmers face the growing challenges of global competition and climate change. That is why, we are offering a comprehensive strategy that makes farming more attractive, more resilient and more sustainable.”

seleced reaction
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will be reinforced with additional resources to speed up risk assessment procedures so that it can continue providing scientific advice. According to the document, this will facilitate access to the EU market of plant protection products while ensuring a high level of protection for public health and the environment.

EuroCommerce, which represents the European retail and wholesale sector, said the roadmap was a starting point.

“Mind the gaps! The Vision for Agriculture and Food mainly focuses on farming, neglecting the other crucial links in the chain, such as retailers and wholesalers, who play a vital role in delivering high-quality food to consumers and businesses at affordable prices. If we want a more competitive EU agri-food chain, we need a full team effort from the entire value chain and the decision-makers,” said Christel Delberghe, director general.

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) welcomed commitments to review animal welfare laws, expand food origin labeling, and enhance the alignment of imports with EU standards.

“No-one likes red tape. It is a sound practice to make rules simpler and easier to enforce, when fit for purpose. A word of caution, though: the EU must not throw the baby out with the bathwater getting rid of key laws. This high level of consumer protection and food safety we enjoy in the EU today is non-negotiable and is what makes our food renowned worldwide,” said Agustín Reyna, director general. 

In a document published before the roadmap was released, FoodDrinkEurope had a section on the importance of food safety and the broader consequences of such standards.

The trade group said new approaches to risk management are required to optimize impacts across food safety, security, and sustainability. It added that the vision should acknowledge all foods may have both benefits and risks for consumers and discuss across all stakeholders about what risks are acceptable, on the basis that zero risk does not exist.