A key component of food safety is the legally established maximum levels (= limit values) for certain substances in food. If these levels are exceeded, the food is no longer considered safe and may no longer be placed on the market. However, exceeding these limits does not automatically mean that there is an immediate health risk. Only when the levels that determine how much a person can consume daily, in a single instance or over a longer period are exceeded can health problems arise.

In addition to monitoring these limit values, transparency also plays an important role. Consumers must be informed quickly and reliably about products that are harmful to health. AGES therefore provides information on warnings and product recalls for food and children’s toys in accordance with the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act (LMSVG).

However, food safety does not end with inspections and legal requirements. The correct handling of food in everyday life also plays a crucial role in minimising risks. As part of the EU-wide information campaign #Safe2Eat, AGES, together with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), provides information on food risks. This is because the majority of foodborne illnesses occur in the home: mistakes in storage, transport or preparation can cause food that is safe in itself to become harmful to health.

The #Safe2Eat campaign therefore raises awareness of simple but effective measures in everyday life, such as the correct storage of food or tips for safe barbecuing in the summer.