Brussels (Brussels Morning) – The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) conducted over 106,000 inspections at 56,000 food companies in 2023, with 85% yielding favourable results. Food safety standards in Belgium remain high, with significant compliance efforts noted across sectors.
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) carried out over 106,000 inspections last year at some 56,000 companies throughout the food chain. In 85 per cent of cases, the inspection yielded a favorable result, a similar figure to 2022, according to the annual report.
What actions can FAVV take in response to unfavorable reports?
In the event of an unfavourable report, the FAVV can take various measures, such as a warning (15,728), a report (10,044) or a seizure (2,174). If the health of the consumer is at risk, the FAVV can also impose a temporary closure of the company. This happened 399 times in 2023.
In addition, the FAVV also took samples of foodstuffs on the Belgian food market. Of the 64,648 samples that were analyzed in a lab, 98 per cent appeared to meet the standards. “A number that indicates a high level of food safety in our country,” according to the FAVV.
The agency also carried out 22,552 checks last year at over 21,000 companies in the distribution sector (catering, supermarkets, bakers, butchers, fishmongers and large kitchens), with a positive result in 69.3 per cent of cases. The main points of attention in this sector are being able to provide the correct allergen information to the consumer, and hand hygiene, such as the lack of sufficient hand washing sinks, contactless taps and hygienic washing and drying agents.
How many products did Belgian companies recall in 2023?
The annual report also shows that Belgian food companies recalled 254 products from consumers last year. This happened in more than eight out of ten cases due to a chemical or microbiological risk. Furthermore, 85 warnings were also sent out, mainly due to the lack of allergens on the label.
How did the food safety barometer change in 2023?
The so-called food safety barometer, which annually reflects the evolution of the general state of food safety in Belgium, rose by 2.2 per cent in 2023. This is mainly due to fewer people being affected by possible food poisoning, a decrease in the number of cases of salmonellosis and less detection of the bacterium campylobacter in carcasses and cut meat.
“The percentage of positive checks shows us that the professional sectors are well aware of the importance of compliance with food safety rules. Thanks to this collective effort, we can maintain high standards that guarantee consumer confidence,” says David Clarinval (MR), Federal Minister of Agriculture.
