Safe2Eat 2026 Science-Backed Food Safety Campaign Launch
Summary
EFSA and partner agencies across Europe have launched Safe2Eat 2026, a flagship EU-wide public health campaign providing science-based food safety guidance to citizens. The campaign, now in its sixth year and covering 23 participating countries, focuses on three key areas: safe food practices, food and health, and transparency about food contents including additives, flavourings, novel foods, and allergens. According to a 2025 Ipsos survey, the campaign reached 41% of citizens in surveyed countries.
What changed
EFSA has launched Safe2Eat 2026, an annual public health campaign providing science-based food safety guidance to European citizens. The 2026 edition covers three themes: safe food practices (handling, storage, preparation), food and health (balanced diets, nutrition, health claims), and transparency about food contents (additives, flavourings, novel foods, allergen labelling). The campaign expanded from 9 to 23 participating countries and achieved 41% citizen reach in 2025 according to an Ipsos survey.
Affected parties include consumers seeking guidance on food safety, and indirectly food manufacturers and retailers whose products are covered under the campaign's information on additives, allergens, and labelling. There are no compliance obligations imposed — this is an educational and communication initiative. Food industry stakeholders should be aware the campaign may increase consumer attention to labelling and transparency, particularly regarding allergens and novel food ingredients.
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Apr 20, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Safe2Eat in 2026 – Science-backed guidance for all Europeans!
Published:
16 April 2026
3 minutes read Share:
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- EFSA and its partners across Europe are back with Safe2Eat 2026, continuing their joint commitment to empower citizens with clear, science-based food safety information. Kicking off in April 2026, the campaign builds on the success of previous editions, expanding its reach and deepening engagement to support informed and confident food choices across Europe and beyond.
Now in its sixth year, Safe2Eat remains a flagship EU-wide initiative designed to make food safety science accessible and relevant to everyday life. By translating complex scientific knowledge into practical guidance, the campaign helps consumers better understand how food safety works and how it supports their health and wellbeing.
Growing reach across Europe and neighbouring countries
Since its launch, Safe2Eat has steadily expanded its geographical scope. From an initial group of 9 participating countries, the campaign reaches 23 countries across Europe and beyond in 2026. This year’s edition brings together EFSA’s partners, underlining the campaign’s continued relevance and its role in promoting safe and informed food choices across borders.
Building on the success of Safe2Eat 2025
Safe2Eat 2026 builds on strong results achieved in 2025. According to an Ipsos survey conducted in November 2025, the campaign reached 41% of citizens in the surveyed countries. Beyond visibility, the campaign supported more thoughtful engagement with food safety topics: people exposed to Safe2Eat reported paying greater attention to food safety, thinking more critically about their food choices, and showing increased interest in the science behind safe food.
The campaign also contributed to strengthening trust in the EU’s food safety system, demonstrating the value of clear, transparent and science-based communication in helping citizens make confident everyday decisions.
What’s new in 2026?
Safe2Eat 2026 focuses on three key areas that reflect citizens’ everyday concerns and questions about food:
- Safe food practices, offering practical advice on reading labels and on the safe handling, storage and preparation of food, grounded in the latest scientific evidence.
- Food and your health, providing guidance on balanced diets, nutritional needs and health claims, and explaining the science that supports them.
- What’s in your food, delivering clear information on additives, flavourings, novel foods and allergen A normally harmless substance, such as an ingredient in a foodstuff, that causes an (immediate) allergic reaction in a susceptible person labelling to support transparency and consumer confidence.
EFSA’s commitment to informed choices
Nikolaus Kriz, Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), said: “ Every day, people make choices about what to eat, and they deserve to feel safe and informed. Safe2Eat 2026 turns complex scientific knowledge into practical, easy-to-use advice on handling, preparing, and understanding what’s in their food, from additives and flavourings to novel ingredients and allergens. By providing guidance people can apply at home or in daily life, the campaign promotes critical thinking, empowers citizens, and strengthens confidence in the EU’s science-based food safety system, helping everyone make safe, informed choices."
Get involved
Throughout 2026, a wide range of Safe2Eat activities will take place at both EU and national level. Citizens are invited to explore educational resources, discover practical tips and follow the campaign on social media using #Safe2EatEU. More information and campaign materials are available on the Safe2Eat website.
Contact
For media enquiries, please contact Press [at] efsa.europa.eu or call us at +39 0521 036 149
Safe2Eat 2026 campaign Visit the campaign website Page contents
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