World Food Safety Day is a global reminder of how science plays a central role in protecting public health. This year’s theme, “Science in Action”, highlights the importance of evidence-based regulation, innovation, and vigilance in every part of the food system.
Food safety regulations in the UK and EU are evolving rapidly. In this article, we explain the food safety requirements, labelling laws, and regulatory differences that affect brands selling across these markets.
Why Food Safety Matters
Food safety is the foundation of public health and consumer trust. Whether a product is sold in the UK, the EU, or both, businesses must ensure that food is safe, accurately labelled, and compliant with all relevant laws. Scientific assessments underpin every stage of this process, from ingredient approvals to allergen declarations and contaminant limits.
Post-Brexit Divergence
The UK and EU share a strong history of food safety legislation, but their paths have started to diverge since Brexit. Although both systems rely on scientific evidence and the precautionary principle, they now update laws independently. For example, the food colour titanium dioxide (E 171) has been banned in the EU following an EFSA assessment but is still permitted in Great Britain. These decisions are based on similar scientific evaluations but can lead to different regulatory outcomes depending on the risk management approach taken.
The Landscape in the UK and EU
In the UK, the core legislation is the Food Safety Act 1990. Much of the food law inherited from the EU now exists as “assimilated law,” which can be amended or repealed by the UK government. In the EU, Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 provides the general framework for food safety. While the principles remain similar, the pace and direction of change now differ between the two regions.
Examples of Regulatory Differences
Recent updates show how food laws are evolving. The EU has amended Regulation 1169/2011 to clarify that certain emulsifiers made from mustard seeds do not need to be labelled as allergens due to refined processing. Great Britain has not yet adopted this update. Another key difference is the EU’s replacement of Regulation 1881/2006 with Regulation 2023/915, which updates contaminant limits and adds new controlled substances based on the latest science. Great Britain still follows the original 2006 regulation.
Science-Based Authorisation Processes
Approvals for food additives, novel foods, and health claims are another area where food safety science is applied. In the EU, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) carries out risk assessments. In Great Britain, this responsibility lies with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Department of Health and Social Care. Although both systems rely on evidence, businesses may face different procedures, timelines, and outcomes.
Labelling Requirements
Food labelling is a critical part of food safety and transparency. Both the UK and EU require clear, legible, and accurate labels. Mandatory information includes the product name, ingredients, allergen information, net quantity, best-before or use-by date, and nutritional declaration. Some products may also need storage instructions, the country of origin, batch numbers, or alcohol content.
There are small but important differences. In Great Britain, a UK business address must appear on the label. In the EU, any member state address is acceptable. Products sold in Northern Ireland must follow EU labelling rules and use an EU or NI address. These regional requirements can significantly impact how businesses label and distribute their products.
Staying Compliant with Regulation Changes
Compliance with food safety regulations is an ongoing process. Businesses must monitor legal developments, update documentation, and review product labels regularly. Scientific advances, consumer expectations, and political changes all influence regulatory updates.
To stay informed, regularly check official sources such as the UK Government and Food Standards Agency websites, and the EU’s EUR-Lex legal database. Understanding the differences between UK and EU food safety laws will help businesses avoid regulatory pitfalls and protect public health.
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Putting Science into Action
At Rubicon Bridge, we help businesses navigate complex food safety regulations through practical, science-led support. Whether you’re launching a new product, preparing for audit, or adapting to legal changes, we work alongside your team to ensure compliance and confidence.
This World Food Safety Day, we celebrate the scientists, regulators, and technical experts working to keep our food safe. Food safety is not just a legal obligation. It is science in action, every single day.
If you are unsure whether your product meets requirements in the UK or EU, get in touch with our team. Let’s put science into action and build safer products together.
