The Food Safety Agency ensures the safety of the food chain and the quality of our food. Our monitoring mission extends from farm to fork. Some 1,400 staff members are on hand each day to help us fulfil this mission. These staff members are assisted by around 600 self-employed associates who help us carry out our assignments. In order to be able to conduct the required analyses, the Agency has 5 in-house laboratories at its disposal and also cooperates with a network of 60 external laboratories. To keep abreast of potential hazards in the food chain, the Agency regularly requests opinions from the Scientific Committee, an independent advisory body composed of top experts in science and research. Moreover, not only does the FASFC constantly monitor the safety of Belgian foodstuffs, but it also conducts checks on foodstuffs from other countries.
We consider open and transparent communication of paramount importance. That is why we aim to provide as much information as possible: press releases, product recalls, allergen warnings, publications, videos,... The Contact Point for Consumers answers questions and handles complaints. Via Foodweb (a database containing data on food businesses), anyone can look up whether a bakery, butcher’s shop, fish shop,... is registered with the FASFC.
How exactly does the Agency carry out its checks? Through these visual stories we want to give you a unique insight into our work, as if you were tagging along with us during a day on the job.
