Food Safety Regulations: An Overview

Food manufacturers must make sure that their products are safe and do not make people ill. Federal food safety regulations are established and enforced by various regulatory authorities.

About Food Safety

Food safety is vital to protecting public health and ensuring consumer trust. From the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to international frameworks led by organizations like the European Food Safety Authority, global regulations focus on preventing contamination and enforcing best practices. These standards cover everything from allergen controls to hygienic processing. For a deeper dive, explore our Ultimate Guide on Food Safety.

Main Global Food Safety Authorities

Companies must have a food safety plan and observe the food safety regulations.

• The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provides the legal framework for food safety regulation in the United States. Federal regulations, such as the FDA Food Code, set scientific standards and guidelines for food safety practices.

Globally, several other major frameworks govern food safety, including:

• The European Union's General Food Law (Regulation EC No. 178/2002);
• The Codex Alimentarius developed by the FAO and WHO;
• India's Food Safety and Standards Act enforced by FSSAI; and
• The Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China.

Other Key Global Food Safety Authorities

Beyond the major players like the FDA, EU regulations, and Codex Alimentarius, several other international food safety authorities and frameworks play a critical role in regulating and harmonizing global food standards. Canada’s food sector is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which enforces the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), emphasizing preventive controls and strict licensing protocols.

Meanwhile, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), while not a governmental authority, has become a benchmark for food safety certification worldwide. It recognizes schemes like BRCGS, SQF, and IFS, which are often mandatory for partnerships with major food retailers and manufacturers. Additionally, the ASEAN Food Safety Policy is an emerging framework working toward harmonized food safety practices across Southeast Asia, making it highly relevant for regional trade and sourcing.

Key Food Safety Regulations by Region

It is important to understand the rules and regulations when buying food products or creating private label brands. Here is a simple overview of the key food safety regulations that affect global trade and compliance in different regions.

United States

• FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act): Overseen by the FDA, FSMA shifts focus from reacting to contamination to preventing it. It requires hazard analysis, preventive controls, and third-party certification for high-risk imports.
• FDA Food Code: A model guide for state and local authorities regulating retail and food service establishments. It sets standards for sanitation, temperature control, and allergen labeling.
• Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA): The overarching law granting the FDA authority to oversee food safety, labeling, and adulteration issues.

European Union

• Regulation (EC) No 178/2002: Establishes the general principles of EU food law and created the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It ensures traceability, risk assessment, and food safety accountability.
• Regulation (EC) No 852/2004: Covers hygiene of all foodstuffs, requiring HACCP-based procedures and food business operator responsibility.
• Regulation (EC) No 853/2004: Sets specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.
• Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005: Establishes microbiological criteria for foodstuffs.
• Regulation (EU) 2017/625: Also known as the Official Controls Regulation, it standardizes inspection and compliance procedures across EU member states.

Canada

• Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR): Administered by the CFIA, this law consolidates 14 food regulations and emphasizes licensing, preventive controls, and traceability for both domestic and imported food.

Australia & New Zealand

• Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ Code): Covers food composition, contaminants, hygiene practices, and labeling. Enforced jointly by both countries for food produced, imported, or sold.

India

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI): This law consolidates food safety regulation under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and includes licensing, labeling, hygiene, and food testing protocols.

Global / Intergovernmental

• Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO): A globally recognized collection of food standards and guidelines that influence national laws and facilitate international trade.
• GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative): Not a regulation, but a private benchmarking system for food safety certification schemes like BRCGS, SQF, IFS, and FSSC 22000. Widely adopted by global retailers and manufacturers.

Food Fraud

In recent years there have been various scandals involving fraudulent food. For instance when a product contains ingredients that it shouldn’t, or is sold as a completely different product. Like horsemeat being sold as beef, or honey bulked out with sugar syrups.

These deceptions mislead consumers. But fraudulent food can also endanger public health because the exact ingredients aren’t clear. It may contain substances that cause an allergic reaction. It is also impossible to know whether or how fraudulent food has been processed: for example, animal products may contain traces of medication that is dangerous for humans. Fraudulent foods may also contain undeclared food additives or residues of veterinary drugs, which can pose additional risks to consumers.

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