Law No. 9863 on Food.

This law establishes a comprehensive legal framework to ensure a high level of protection for human health and consumer interests in relation to food and animal feed. It aligns with international standards and EU practices, aiming to regulate all stages of food production, processing, and distribution. The law applies to both human food and animal feed, except for food produced for personal use, and introduces principles of risk analysis, transparency, and consumer protection.
The scope of the law encompasses a wide range of regulatory areas, including hygiene and safety requirements, labeling, traceability, import/export controls, licensing of food businesses, and the responsibilities of food business operators. It mandates the implementation of self-control systems (HACCP), defines the roles of official inspection bodies, and outlines procedures for managing food safety crises. The law also addresses the regulation of novel foods, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and food for special dietary needs. It establishes a system of official controls, including laboratory testing and certification, and provides for administrative sanctions in case of non-compliance.
The law details the obligations of food business operators to ensure food safety at every stage of the supply chain. It requires immediate action and notification in case of unsafe food, mandates proper labeling, and sets out the structure and authority of the official food inspection body. It also includes provisions for the destruction of unsafe food, the management of emergencies, and the accreditation of laboratories. The law is enforced through a system of inspections, penalties, and licensing controls.