White Paper On Food Safety

The German food industry regards the White Paper as an opportunity to subject existing food legislation to critical examination, retaining what has proved its value and revising what is in need of reform.

The food industry is prepared to take an active part in this discussion. The involvement of all affected parties in the discussion and its outcome is essential to achieve our common aim: maintaining a diverse range of high-quality foodstuffs. Success is contingent on

• an open, unreserved debate with all parties involved,
• prioritisation of the required measures according to the degree of urgency for the respective areas to be addressed and according to a realistic time scale,
• additional topics being taken up which have yet to be covered adequately in the White Paper,
• particular importance being attached to the aspect of the quality of legislation,
• the principle of "from farm to fork" being applied across the board in such a manner as to ensure that measures are undertaken when potential sources of danger arise - and not at a later juncture in the food chain,
• the principle of proportionality being applied,
• all those involved ("stakeholders") regarding the White Paper, discussion and implementation of the same as an opportunity to achieve real improvements regarding the terms of reference for food law and their practical implementation.

The food industry is prepared to make an active contribution to this debate. The involvement of all stakeholders in the debate and the decision-making process is crucial to the common objective of maintaining a diverse scope of food products at the highest standard of quality, and should be seen as an opportunity.