Border controls, recalls and inspection data are some of the highlights from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) 2023 annual report. In 2023, 47 percent of the NVWA’s capacity was focused on food safety supervision. Supporters include third parties, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).
Work is divided across eight areas with most efforts in the meat supply chain. A start has been made on setting up food safety supervision at primary agricultural companies. NVWA said the number of reports from EU member states, companies and consumers about potentially unsafe food and feed is increasing.
To cope with this demand, the agency is using a methodology that allows prioritization of reports based on the risk. NVWA is looking at how to monitor food safety culture and the use of sensor technology and artificial intelligence for smarter oversight of slaughterhouses. An event was held in February 2024 on the topic of modern inspections and new technology.
Fraud, recalls and border checks Two fraud cases investigated by the Intelligence and Investigation Service (NVWA-IOD) involved suspected falsification of documents and in the provision of information related to a meat recall as well as tampering with information when exporting chicken meat with the aim of reducing import duties in the country of destination. There were 125 alerts published relating to unsafe food products. Almost.
