Food Law Framework: General Objectives and Principles

The general objectives of food law are set out in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) 178/2002:

Food law shall pursue one or more of the general objectives of a high level of protection of human life and health and the protection of consumers' interests, including fair practices in food trade, taking account of, where appropriate, the protection of animal health and welfare, plant health and the environment.

These objectives are pursued, whenever appropriate, on a scientific basis led, in the main, by the Food Standards Authority.