European legislation

Much of the detailed legislation on food standards originates in the European Union. This section includes details on how food hygiene legislation was consolidated and simplified as well as details of other European legislation.

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  • Official feed and food controls regulation

    EU Regulation 882/2004 on official controls for feed and food law (and animal health and animal welfare) sets out the approach that competent authorities of member states must adopt for official controls. Essentially, how they should monitor and enforce businesses' compliance with feed and food law (and with animal health and welfare rules).

  • Consulting on rapidly developing policy

    To enable more meaningful consultation and obtain early stakeholder input on EU and associated domestic legislation, updates will keep stakeholders informed of the latest changes as well as building up the history behind the featured policy development.

  • EC Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health

    This committee was established following the adoption of Regulation (EC) 178/2002, which set out the general principles and requirements of food law in the EU.

  • Food hygiene regulations amending, implementing and transitional measures

    A number of Regulations have been published that amend, implement or provide transitional measures for the food hygiene regulations. A list of the measures is available in chronological order. Please note the titles of the regulations are not always written in full.

  • Microbiological criteria for foodstuffs: Guidance for food business operators

    EU Regulation No. 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foods (as amended by EU Regulation No. 1441/2007) complements the food hygiene legislation and applies to all food businesses involved in the production and handling of food.