“As the world’s leading trader of food, the EU must ensure that any animal, plant or food product arriving from other countries meets our strict health and safety standards. Today’s measures will further reinforce and modernise our already robust system of official controls, to the benefit of EU citizens, farmers and companies,” Health and Animal Welfare Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi said.
On Tuesday, the commissioner announced a reinforcement of controls on food, animals, and plant products entering the EU. The measures follow an Implementation Dialogue with stakeholders and demonstrate the Union’s ongoing commitment to consumer safety, agricultural integrity, and fair competition.
Building on the commitments in the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, the new measures will expand the existing system.
Audits to be boosted significantly
Over the next two years, audits of non-EU countries will increase by 50 per cent, while audits of European border control posts will rise by a third to ensure inspections are carried out consistently across member states. Products and countries that have previously failed to meet EU standards will be monitored more closely, with inspection frequency intensified as needed. The Commission will provide additional support to countries carrying out the extra checks.
To enhance the efficiency of import controls, the EU reported it is establishing a dedicated task force focused on pesticide residues, food and feed safety, and animal welfare. This task force may also coordinate EU-wide monitoring of specific imported products. In parallel, around 500 national authority staff will receive specialized training in official controls through a dedicated EU programme. Rules governing imports that contain traces of particularly hazardous pesticides banned in the EU will also be updated in line with recently revised international standards.
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Highest standards
On Tuesday, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi emphasised that these measures benefit both consumers and European producers. “The EU already applies the highest food quality standards in the world. With the agri-food sector accounting for almost €160bn, maintaining a robust and credible system of import controls is essential to ensure that products entering the EU continue to meet those high standards,” he said.
By reinforcing inspections, increasing audits, and modernizing oversight, the EU is aiming to maintain its reputation for high-quality, safe food, while ensuring that European farmers can compete on a level playing field. For consumers, these measures mean greater confidence that the food on their tables — whether imported or locally produced — continues to meet the EU’s rigorous safety and quality standards.
