Legal frameworks
Food laws and regulations
National legal frameworks are key pillars in effective food control systems. In all countries, food is governed by a complex system of laws and regulations that food chain operators must abide by in order to ensure food safety and quality. The term “food law” applies to legislation which regulates the production, trade and handling of food, covering food control, food safety, food quality and relevant aspects of food trade across the entire food chain, including the provision for animal feed, from production through consumption.
Upon request, FAO helps governments draft, amend or update national food safety and quality laws and implement regulations, in accordance with international law and best practices, in order to strengthen food control and surveillance systems. This assistance is provided through teams of legal advisors working closely with food safety experts, tailoring their efforts to the specific needs and legal systems of Member Nations. Due consideration is given to:
- harmonizing national legal frameworks with Codex Alimentarius standards, guidelines and related texts, which constitute the benchmark for food safety and quality at the international level;
- promoting the adoption of the risk analysis approach for improving food control systems;
- supporting countries in their efforts to develop science and evidence‑based food control systems that protect consumer health, facilitate access to markets and food trade, and prevent food‑safety emergencies;
- building national capacities and facilitating an understanding of international food safety legislation among national stakeholders, working directly with local lawyers and officials;
- developing tools and guides related to various technical and managerial aspects of food control.
Featured publications
Strengthening sector policies for better food security and nutrition results
2020
The right to adequate food is a basic human right (FAO, 2005) and is realized when every man, woman and child has physical and economic access at all times...
Assuring Food Safety and Quality. Guidelines for Strengthening National Food Control Systems
2003
Effective national food control systems are essential to protect the health and safety of domestic consumers. They are also critical in enabling countries...
Explanatory note on the Guidelines for Developing Harmonized Food Safety Legislation for the CCAFRICA Region (CXG 98-2022)
2025
This explanatory note offers practical guidance on the drafting, interpretation and reform of legal instruments governing food, taking as reference...
Perspectives and guidelines on food legislation, with a new model food law
2005
The increasing globalization of food trade and the harmonization of food standards and food safety measures have led to significant changes in the international...