European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened an own-initiative inquiry into how the European Commission ensures the protection of consumers from food-related hazards through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

The Ombudswoman decided to open the inquiry after a number of stakeholders raised concerns about how the alert system is functioning.  These concerns relate to potential delays in the transmission of some alerts concerning a food safety problem and the transparency and quality of the data available to citizens.

In opening the inquiry, Ms Anjinho drew attention to the recent delays in national and European authorities being informed about contaminated infant milk. She also noted that a reliable and effective alert system for food safety is necessary to protect several rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to health and consumer protection.

The Ombudswoman has asked the Commission a series of questions to get a detailed overview of the functioning of the system. They include how much time is needed on average for alerts to be circulated to RASFF members after a risk has been identified and how long on average it takes national contact points – generally food safety authorities - to submit notifications.

The Ombudswoman also asked the Commission whether it has itself ever identified risks before they were reported by a national authority and whether it plans to introduce measures to ensure notifications effectively cover e-commerce.

In parallel, national Ombudsmen across Europe have been invited to inquire into the functioning of the RASFF with their national authorities as a close link between the actions of the Commission and national authorities concerning the alert system is key to ensuring its efficiency. As coordinator of the European Network of Ombudsmen, Ms Anjinho will then share their findings with the Commission.

The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed was created in 1979. In addition to the 27 EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are members of the RASFF. The European Commission manages and coordinates the system.