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Comparison of EU and US food quality control

Food produced according to European Union (EU) standards is often considered to be of higher quality due to strict regulations that apply throughout the entire production chain, from farming practices to food safety and labelling.

We can compare the food safety and quality standards in the European Union with those in the United States of America with regard to several key aspects, including regulation, health and safety standards, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticide use and labelling. Here are some concrete facts and differences that characterise the approach to food quality and safety in these two regions:

1. Use of pesticides

European Union:

  • The EU has very strict requirements for the use of pesticides. Pesticides are carefully tested and only those deemed safe are approved for use. Food products are tested annually to assess whether the pesticide residues exceed permissible limits.
  • In 2018, the European Commission announced that 97% of the food samples tested for pesticide residues were within legal limits (European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2018).
  • The EU restricts or bans the use of over 100 pesticides. Some pesticides, such as glyphosate, are banned in many EU countries.

United States:

  • The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) set the maximum acceptable levels of pesticides, but these standards are often lower than those in the EU. For example, glyphosate is permitted for use in the United States, although some states have restrictions.
  • Restrictions on the use of pesticides in the United States are not as strict as in the EU, so pesticide residue levels in food may be higher.
  • In 2020, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a report that pesticide residue levels were being monitored, but the United States does not have the same centralised and regular oversight as the EU for pesticide residues in food.

2. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

European Union:

  • There are strict regulations in the EU regarding the use of GMOs. As of 2001, there have been rules in place that require all GMO foods to be clearly labelled as such if there is a GMO presence of over 0.9%. This allows consumers to choose whether or not they want to consume these products.
  • Thus far, the EU has only approved three GMO food products (i.e., Bt corn, soya and canola for food use).
  • A number of EU countries (e.g. Austria, Hungary, Italy) have completely banned the cultivation and consumption of GMOs in their territories.

United States:

  • The United States is one of the countries with the highest GMO use in the world. More than 90% of soya beans, corn and cotton grown in the United States are genetically modified.
  • Although GMO labelling became mandatory in the United States in 2016, this regulation was somewhat more lenient, allowing for the use of digital labels or QR codes, which makes it difficult to clearly understand the genetically modified composition.
  • Furthermore, GMO authorisations are much more liberal, as American food safety and health authorities (e.g. FDA, EPA) do not view GMOs as being hazardous to health if they meet approved safety standards.

3. Food safety and quality

European Union:

  • The EU has one of the strictest food safety systems in the world. Every single food product, from farming to sale, must comply with stringent quality and safety standards.
  • The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system applies to all participants in the food supply chain to ensure that food is safe for consumption.
  • In 2020, the European Food Safety Authority announced that food quality control in the EU is based on scientific research and test data in order to prevent potential health threats.

United States:

  • The United States has its own food safety system, with the FDA and USDA playing a key role. These agencies also use the HACCP system, but it may be less stringent and often relies on voluntary industry standards.
  • In 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was introduced in the United States to strengthen food safety controls, but some critics argue that this system is not as comprehensive as the EU model, since there are more opportunities for self-regulation in a number of areas.

4. Food marking and labelling

European Union:

  • The EU has extensive food labelling requirements. All food products must be clearly marked, including information on ingredients, nutritional value, country of origin and shelf life.
  • The labelling of organic products is also strictly regulated. The EU Organic logo can only be used on products that contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
  • In 2017, the EU also introduced nutrition labelling for food, so that consumers can easily see the calorie content and nutritional value.

United States:

  • Food labelling in the United States is also heavily regulated, but it is slightly less extensive than in the EU. For example, the United States does not have a single, common organic logo – instead, products can use a variety of private certifications.
  • In 2016, the United States made sweeping changes to clearly label the presence of genetically modified organisms, but for the most part, this requirement only applies to some products – not all.

5. Environmental and sustainability policy

European Union:

  • In recent years, the EU has been actively working to reduce carbon emissions by promoting sustainable agriculture and food production. For example, in 2020 the European Green Deal was announced, which aims to achieve a 50% reduction in pesticide use and increased consumption of organic products by 2030.

United States:

  • In the United States, environmental policy regarding agriculture and food production is not as centralised and coordinated as in the EU. Meanwhile, the EU is achieving a higher environmental standard by promoting the implementation of sustainable farming and food processing practices.

Conclusion

The European Union has stricter and more extensive food safety, quality and environmental policies than the United States. This includes more stringent requirements for pesticide use, GMOs and food labelling. The United States also has its own food safety and quality systems, but they are sometimes more lax or less regulated. Food products in the European Union are often considered to be of higher quality due to the strict controls in place, while the United States often offers a wider selection of products due to the less restrictive use of GMOs and fertilisers.