FOOD SAFETY

BuRO calls for better oversight of food contact materials

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..

New stocking rules for poultry houses in 2027

08 September 2026

The rules governing stocking densities in poultry houses are set to change. For years, the Netherlands incorrectly applied an important European requirement. As a result, farms could continue using the highest stocking d...

Antibiotic use in livestock farming declines further

07 September 2026

The Dutch livestock sector continues to make progress in reducing antibiotic use. However, the figures for 2025 present a mixed picture. The downward trend continues, but not across every sector. The veal calf and broile...

More European food audits planned for 2027

04 September 2026

The European Commission will conduct more controls within and outside the EU in 2027. International trade flows will receive particular attention. For the Netherlands, the program includes specific controls that directly...

EU blocks Brazilian meat and honey

03 September 2026

The European Union is temporarily suspending imports of animal products from Brazil. The measure takes effect on September 3 and covers products intended for human consumption. Brazil is not yet included on the required ...

BRCGS updates meat module for audits

03 September 2026

BRCGS has updated the 2026 Meat Supply Chain Module. The new version applies to audits starting September 1, 2026. The changes clarify the scope, traceability, and supplier approval requirements. Testing, training, and s...

New import requirements for ginger and turmeric

02 September 2026

Import requirements for several food products will change on October 15. These include ginger, turmeric, and citrus fruits. Some products will require a new additional declaration on the phytosanitary certificate. The ne...

FNLI: Sugar tax costly and complex, health benefits unclear

02 September 2026

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...