Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed
E-notification and communication system for food quality control of the European Union
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is an e-notification and communication system for food quality control used by EU member states to prevent harm to European consumers and consumers of products originating in the EU. The system ensures the communication of risks to public health associated with food or feed with the EU members and non-member states directly through the online open RASFF notification portal “RASFF Window”. Members of the RASFF network use the system to notify other members of any serious risk to public health linked to food or feed, whether direct or indirect, allowing potentially harmful products to be traced and taken off the market. The system thus facilitates the flow of information among member states and food importers, provides a round-the-clock monitoring service, and ensures the efficient and urgent notification of food safety risks.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The process starts with a member notifying the RASFF network of a serious, direct or indirect risk to public health linked to food or feed. The information arrives at the European Commission which then verifies the notification and immediately transmits it to the other members of the network. A standard template is used to provide all the relevant information. Upon receiving the information, other member countries check if they are affected and report back on any findings or measures taken for the benefit of all RASFF members. The dedicated RASFF portal features an interactive, searchable online database that is open to the public.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
All European member states and a number of food exporting countries use the system daily. In 2021, 4607 notifications were made through RASFF, supplemented by 19 064 follow-up notifications providing additional information.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
RASFF is implemented and maintained by the European Commission for public benefit.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The EU maintains some of the highest food safety standards in the world, thanks largely to the solid EU legislation in place. RASFF is pivotal in ensuring the flow of information, allowing swift action when public health risks are detected in the food chain. According to information of the Commission’s portal, many food safety risks have been averted before they could harm European consumers, thanks to RASFF.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
The Administrative Assistance and Cooperation network (AAC); the Agri-Food Fraud Network (FFN)
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better life
Better nutrition
