FOOD SAFETY

FNLI: Sugar tax costly and complex, health benefits unclear

A tax designed to reduce sugar consumption while generating substantial revenue sounds straightforward. In practice, it is far more complicated. Food manufacturers must also consider product formulations, labels, inspect..

VleesNL opposes temporary employee ban

31 August 2026

The proposed temporary employee ban could have major consequences for the meat supply chain. According to VleesNL (MeatNL), it would affect more than 1,000 mostly smaller companies. The industry association wants to comb...

NVWA and Customs ready to enforce EUDR

31 August 2026

The European Deforestation Regulation is moving closer to everyday practice. This requires preparation from businesses, regulators, and stakeholders in producing countries. The Netherlands is continuing to develop a work...

KNS investigates safety of game steak

28 August 2026

A steak does not need to be cooked all the way through. However, that does raise food safety questions. The sides of thicker cuts, in particular, appear to heat up more slowly. KNS is therefore investigating exactly what...

NVWA plans to publish inspection results for fish processors

26 August 2026

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) plans to publicly disclose inspection results for fish processing companies. This will make food safety assessments accessible to everyone. The draft decision d...

New European acrylamide standards on the way

20 August 2026

The European Commission is preparing stricter rules for acrylamide in food products. Some products will likely be subject to statutory maximum levels. Other product groups will receive new or stricter benchmark levels. T...

Europe wants to tackle territorial supply constraints

17 August 2026

Sourcing from the Member State offering the best terms seems logical. Yet retailers and wholesalers face territorial supply constraints. Suppliers can restrict product sales to specific countries. Packaging variations ca...

Lower residue limits could curb food imports

17 August 2026

Pesticides banned in Europe can still enter the market through imported products. Lowering European residue limits is intended to prevent this. However, stricter limits could affect trade, production, and consumer prices...

NVWA finds excessive residues in ice cream and whipped cream

13 August 2026

Residues from cleaning and disinfecting agents can remain in food after cleaning. In 2026, the NVWA therefore tested 95 samples of ice cream and whipped cream. Three products exceeded the legal limit. Two of them were at...

PPWR: New packaging requirements from August 12

04 August 2026

The first new PPWR rules will apply from August 12, 2026. Producers and importers may then only place packaging on the EU market with a valid EU Declaration of Conformity. Food companies therefore need to determine their...

Hygieneplan acquires FoodGuard

04 August 2026

Hygieneplan has acquired FoodGuard. This strategic move brings together both organizations’ knowledge, experience, and expertise in industrial cleaning, hygiene, and food safety. The acquisition strengthens Hygieneplan’s...

78% of Belgians want Nutri-Score on every packaging

27 July 2026

The voluntary use of Nutri-Score is under debate in Belgium. Political proposals focus on food packaging and advertising. One proposal would make the label mandatory on every package. Stricter advertising rules are also ...

Private label? PPWR responsibility lies with the retailer

23 July 2026

Private label is not only about who makes the product. The name on the packaging also matters. If a retailer puts its own brand on a product, FNLI says that also comes with legal responsibility. This is relevant for food...

EFSA lowers safe limit for TFA in food

22 July 2026

EFSA is lowering the safe limit for trifluoroacetic acid in food. This is relevant to the food sector. TFA can form when PFAS substances break down. Certain pesticides may also play a role. TFA can enter the food chain t...

Histamine controls in the fish supply chain fall short

21 July 2026

Histamine management requires greater attention throughout the fish supply chain. European inspections have identified problems with refrigeration, sampling, and professional expertise. Smaller businesses in particular s...

Fewer Campylobacter cases in Dutch poultry chain