Food and feed safety
The Authority is responsible for monitoring the implementation and application of EEA legislation related to the food and feed chain in the EFTA States. That legislation is based on the following principles:
- risk-based approach based on the best available science
- reliance on the “precautionary principle” where there is scientific uncertainty
- responsibility of food and feed producers for the safety of their products
- traceability throughout the food and feed chain
- effective, suitable and proportionate official checks
Food hygiene
Food producers bear primary responsibility for the safety of the food they produce. Safety is assessed using a “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points” system (HACCP). Certain food establishments must be registered or approved by the competent national authorities. Those authorities are required to have systems in place to verify compliance with the legislative requirements.
Feed Hygiene
EEA legislation on feed hygiene is aimed at ensuring feed safety at all stages that may have an impact on feed and food safety, including primary production.
Traceability is an essential element in ensuring feed safety. EEA legislation provides for compulsory registration of all feed business operators and feed businesses dealing with particularly sensitive substances require approval. This is the Icelandic 2010 list of approved feed establishments and the Norwegian 2010 list of approved feed establishments.
Food and Feed Checks
EEA legislation establishes a harmonized food and feed check system which sets out the responsibilities of the competent authorities. It aims at a high level of consumer protection without unnecessary burdens on food and feed business operators. Legislation has been adopted which requires increased levels of official controls for certain high risk feed and food of non-animal origin imported into the EEA.
Norway and Iceland have designated points of entry (DPEs) through which consignments of these products may enter. Lists of DPEs for the EU Member States can be found on the EU Commission's website.
