In the European Union (EU), food safety is an indisputable priority and its standards are among the most rigorous in the world. To maintain and guarantee food safety, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Food (RASFF) was created, a crucial tool that allows for quick and efficient exchange of information between member countries.
Legal Base of RASFF
O RASFF has its legal basis in article 50 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002, also known as general food legislation. This regulation provides the legal framework necessary for the food safety authorities of two member countries to act in a coordinated manner against any risk that compromises public health derived from food or reasons.
Functioning of RASFF
The main objective of RASFF is to allow security authorities to quickly provide information about any identified risks. Thanks to this system, immediate measures can be taken to prevent these risks from becoming public health problems. Some of the main features of RASFF include:
- 24/7 support: RASFF operates 24 hours a day, ensuring that urgent notifications are sent, received and responded to collectively and efficiently.
- Immediate Actions: Vital information exchanged through RASFF may lead to the withdrawal of products from the market, preventing them from reaching the final consumer.
- Proactive Prevention: Thanks to this system, many food safety risks are avoided before they cause damage, thus guaranteeing consumer protection from the field to the table.
Access and Transparency
Since direct access to the RASFF is limited to the authorities of two member countries and to the European Commission, there is an interactive online database called Janela RASFF, accessible to the public. This platform allows you to investigate notifications related to food risks, without revealing specific commercial details such as brands or commercial operators.
- Janela RASFF: It is the main interface for third-party countries to be informed about notifications regarding products that have been produced or shipped from them, or that have been exported to those countries by an EU member.
- RASFF Consumer Portal: Includes information on recent food collections and public health warnings in member countries linked to RASFF notifications, thus providing valuable tools for consumers who want to stay informed about food safety.
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Food (RASFF) is a fundamental part of the EU food security mechanism. Its ability to facilitate rapid exchange of information and coordinate preventive actions among member countries is essential to protect public health and maintain consumer confidence in the food chain. At CEIMIC, we remain committed to food safety and support initiatives that contribute to a safer and more transparent food environment.
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