Statement by Commissioner Várhelyi ahead of World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day is a moment to recognise what Europe has built: one of the safest food systems in the world – and we are making it even stronger.

Our high food safety standards are built on strong, science-based rules, rigorous controls and close cooperation between food business operators and public authorities. This framework ensures that the food that reaches European consumers is as safe as it can be. Every day, thousands of professionals across the EU work to keep this system functioning effectively. When risks are identified, unsafe products are swiftly removed from the market, often before they ever reach supermarket shelves.

The EU is one of the world's largest importers of food and our consumers enjoy a wide variety of products from across the world. As they do so, they can rest assured that our standards do not stop at the EU borders. Our strict rules on food and feed hygiene, our high standards for animal and plant health, apply to all products put on our market – whether produced in Europe or not. Import controls are in place to check that our standards are met, and non-compliant products are rejected before they can enter our Union and reach our consumers.

Upholding Europe's high food safety standards is an intrinsic part of our food security. This is what our citizens expect, and deserve.

Since the beginning of this mandate, I have worked to strengthen every link in this food chain and ensure that our world-class food safety system remains robust, effective and fit for the future. I have increased controls on imports and taken firm action to prevent unsafe goods from entering the market. The message is clear: if a product is sold in the European Union, it must meet European standards.

This protects consumers. It ensures fairness for our farmers, producers and food businesses. And it strengthens trust in the food on our shelves and on our tables. We will continue working tirelessly and in coordination with Member States and our partners across the EU to protect the food safety excellence that our citizens rightly expect.