Food safety

EFSA positive on E 246 for cheese and meat products

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..

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...

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...

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...

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

21 July 2026

Campylobacter remains a key concern for European food safety. In Europe, the number of human infections is rising, while the Netherlands is reporting lower levels in the poultry chain. According to NEPLUVI’s annual Campy...

Guidance on spoilage caused by spores in plant-based ingredients

20 July 2026

Bacterial spores in plant-based ingredients can cause spoilage and food safety concerns. Five companies have therefore issued joint guidance for suppliers. The guidance covers ingredients used in plant-based beverages. R...

Pesticide policy calls for legal measures

17 July 2026

PAN-NL says the covenant on crop protection products has failed. According to the organization, the agreement remains too weak and too vague. Now that the involved civil society organizations have withdrawn, the governme...

Dutch origin no guarantee of fewer pesticides

16 July 2026

Dutch fruit and vegetables do not contain fewer pesticide residues than products from other countries. This is according to Pesticide Action Network Netherlands (PAN-NL). The organization bases this on NVWA residue tests...

Study: poultry biosecurity can be improved