Regulation (EC) 178/2002 is the cornerstone of EU food legislation, known as the General Food Law. Adopted on 28 January 2002, it lays down general principles and requirements of food law, established the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and defines procedures for food safety matters. Ovalab supports compliance through accredited food testing services.
Key Facts About EC 178/2002
- Risk analysis: The regulation establishes risk analysis (risk assessment, risk management, risk communication) as the foundation of EU food safety policy.
- Traceability: Article 18 requires food business operators to implement traceability systems — the ability to trace food, feed, and ingredients through all stages of production, processing, and distribution (“one step back, one step forward”).
- Precautionary principle: Article 7 allows provisional risk management measures when scientific uncertainty exists regarding a potential health risk.
- EFSA establishment: The regulation created the European Food Safety Authority as the independent scientific body providing risk assessments to support EU food policy decisions.
- RASFF: Established the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) for rapid exchange of information about food safety risks across EU member states.
- Scope: Applies to all stages of food and feed production, processing, and distribution — covering food business operators throughout the supply chain.
Testing Methods at Ovalab
Ovalab provides analytical testing that supports compliance with the General Food Law framework. This includes preservative analysis, food additive testing, contaminant screening, and nutritional analysis — all performed under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation (ČIA Certificate 537/2025). Results meet the requirements for official food control under Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the General Food Law?
Regulation (EC) 178/2002, the General Food Law, establishes the general principles and requirements of EU food legislation, creates EFSA, and defines procedures for food safety. It applies to all food and feed at all stages of production, processing, and distribution.
What is RASFF?
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is a tool established by EC 178/2002 for rapid exchange of information between EU member states about food or feed that poses a serious health risk. It enables swift coordinated action to protect consumers.
How does traceability work under EC 178/2002?
Article 18 requires the “one step back, one step forward” principle — every food business operator must be able to identify their suppliers and customers. This enables rapid identification and withdrawal of unsafe food products.
Does EC 178/2002 set specific food safety limits?
No. The General Food Law establishes principles and institutional framework. Specific limits (contaminants, additives, pesticide residues) are set in separate regulations such as EU 1333/2008 for food additives and EU 2023/915 for contaminants.
How does Ovalab support food safety compliance?
Ovalab provides accredited testing for food additives, contaminants, microbiological parameters, and nutritional composition. Test reports from our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory are accepted by food safety authorities across the EU.