Benelux

Benelux coordinates European cooperation on food safety

18 Jun. 2026

Since October 2024, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have taken on the coordination of the European network of the Heads of Food Safety Agencies through the Benelux Secretariat. This cooperation aims to strengthen food safety in Europe, in a context marked by budgetary constraints, a sensitive geopolitical environment and rapid technological developments.

During a meeting on 17 and 18 June, attended by representatives of food agencies from around twenty European and neighbouring countries, including Iceland, Norway and host country Switzerland, several agreements were reached.

It was decided to set up a working group on the use of new technologies in controls within the aquaculture sector. Work also continued on a guide of best practices for monitoring food-related e-commerce.

In addition, participating countries agreed to share studies, policies and practices to better address financial and staffing challenges. They also discussed how to accelerate communication and response in the event of cross-border food crises, including in light of the recent case involving cereulide toxin in infant formula.

The participants also approved the transfer of the network’s secretariat from the Benelux countries to Norway and Lithuania as of 1 September. According to the services involved, the Benelux Secretariat has contributed in recent months to closer European cooperation and tangible progress.

During the meeting, a Ukrainian delegation also provided insights into how food safety can be maintained under wartime conditions.