FOOD SAFETY

Agency workers soon limited to three years at the same company?

How much longer will companies be able to keep hiring a trusted agency worker? For food companies that use agency staff, that question is becoming more pressing. The Dutch government wants to limit assignments with the s..

How can the food industry get a handle on pollution?

02 November 2026

Which pollutants arise from food production, and where do they end up? Questions remain about substances such as PFAS and microplastics. This makes it difficult to target measures where they are needed. The European PURE...

New substances authorized for plastic food packaging

02 November 2026

The European Commission is expanding the list of authorized substances for food-contact plastics. The four new authorizations range from additives to carbon fibers. The type of food that comes into contact with the mater...

Pesticides in food: 97.4% comply with residue limits

30 October 2026

Vegetables, fruit, grains and processed products: the NVWA tested a total of 5,963 samples for pesticides in 2025. The vast majority complied with the legal limits: 97.4%. In one-third, the authority found no pesticides ...

Food fraud: warning signs in fish, meat, oil and honey

28 October 2026

Does a product’s composition match the supplier’s specifications? The European overview of suspected fraud for September 2026 lists a range of discrepancies. These concern both ingredients and information about product c...

EFSA positive on E 246 for cheese and meat products

26 October 2026

EFSA has identified no safety concerns with the broader use of the preservative E 246. The application covers eleven additional food categories, including cheese and meat products. It also includes pomegranate arils, var...

European Union approves curdlan as a food additive

21 October 2026

The European Commission has given curdlan the green light as a food additive. It has been assigned the E-number E 424 and may be used starting November 8, 2026. The authorization covers a range of products, from sauces t...

BuRO calls for better oversight of food contact materials

20 October 2026

More recycled raw materials, less plastic, and greater use of plant-based materials: sustainability efforts are changing food packaging. But what substances come with those raw materials? And could they end up in food? A...

Hiring temporary workers: what are you responsible for?

15 October 2026

The staffing agency supplies the workers, but that does not cover everything. Employers who hire temporary workers also have obligations toward them. What should you check as a food company, and what needs your attention...

New allergen policy proves challenging in practice

14 October 2026

A warning such as “may contain xxx” seems like a simple solution. For consumers with allergies, it actually makes choosing products harder. The new Dutch allergen policy therefore aims to reduce unnecessary label warning...

NVWA investigates cattle registration fraud

07 October 2026

The NVWA-IOD is investigating suspected fraud involving two cattle traders in Overijssel. During searches, investigators found dozens of cattle that were not properly registered. According to the NVWA, this means the ori...

California introduces label for non-ultraprocessed foods

02 October 2026

California is introducing a new label for non-ultraprocessed foods. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation on September 28, 2026. Manufacturers can voluntarily have their products certified under the new standard. ...

PFAS in the food chain: FNLI calls for a European approach

30 September 2026

PFAS enter the food chain through water, soil, and air. According to FNLI, the food industry cannot resolve this contamination on its own. The industry association is therefore calling for a European approach that addres...

Food safety and CO₂ from industry: BuRO calls for checks

25 September 2026

Captured CO₂ can be supplied to the food industry. But what contaminants could the gas carry? BuRO cannot yet answer that question precisely. The agency recommends regular checks for substances originating from combustio...

Farmstead dairy producers worry about new hygiene code costs

23 September 2026

Small producers of farmstead dairy products fear high costs under the new hygiene code. They say additional inspections, laboratory testing and paperwork could put some businesses under strain. Caring Farmers has sent an...

EU considers lower maximum levels for sulfites

21 September 2026

Lower maximum levels for sulfites are on the table for many food products. The European Commission’s draft affects dried fruit, potato products, and juice concentrates. The Commission also wants to remove two sulfites fr...