Food Safety System in Croatia

Abstract

The article focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the food safety system in the Republic of Croatia. Within the process of accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (EU), Acquis Communautaire in Chapter 12 – Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy has been transposed into national legislation and food safety system has become more efficient. The Food Act (Official Gazette No. 46/07) is the basic framework law on food safety in Croatia. The Food Act transposes the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 and provides the basis for the assurance of a high level of protection of human health and consumers’ interest in relation to food. Food Act covers a general overview and requirements on food safety and hygiene. It lays down the obligations of food business operators and regulates official control system; laboratory operations; crisis and emergency situation management; the rapid alert system for food and feed; and food hygiene. Food Act also stipulates general food quality and labeling requirements, as well as general requirements for food made from, or consisting of, genetically modified organisms (GMO). Moreover, the Food Act is legislative framework for regulating the official control system, setting out the competencies of authorities responsible for carrying out official controls. Enforcement of laws and regulations is done on a central and regional/local level. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development (MAFRD) and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MHSW) are responsible for the enforcement of legislation both on the central and regional/local level. Integrated EU strategy on food safety: “from farm to fork” should improve efficiency of the whole food safety system and increase confidence of all interested parties in Croatian food safety policy, from farmers to consumers.