European Food Regulation EC 178/2002

The Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and the Council of 28 January 2002 lays down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishes the European Food Safety Authority and lays down procedures in matters of food safety, also known as 'General Food Law Regulation'. It contains the basic principles of the food law in all the 26 member states of the European Community. In addition, the Regulation is important for all companies exporting food from third countries into the European Union. The 'General Food Law Regulation' is directly applicable in all Member States. It contains binding definitions, especially of 'food', it defines general principles and requirements of food law and food trade, and it establishes the European Food Safety Authority, based in Parma/Italy. The milk powder scandal, spilling over from China, exemplifies the importance of common food standards for Europe. This book will be of interest to food experts in legal practice, and to those in the food industry, trade organisations and public authorities.