The number of food safety alerts exchanged between European member states went up in 2024.

The Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) includes the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and the Administrative Assistance and Cooperation networks (AAC). According to the European Commission, notifications reached 9,460 in 2024, an 8 percent increase compared to 2023.

RASFF notifications rose by 12 percent to 5,250, but AAC alerts remained stable. Almost 550 notifications flagged suspected food fraud. As in previous years, around one-third of RASFF notices were border rejections, mainly pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables.

Sandra Gallina, director general for health and food safety (DG Sante), said: “2024 was a year that saw Europe face numerous challenges, yet make significant strides in food safety. This year’s report…reveals a rise in the number of notifications across networks, particularly in RASFF notifications. This increase demonstrates EU control authorities’ enduring vigilance and importance on food and feed safety issues.”

Produce, nut and meat alerts

Fruits and vegetables represent 16 percent of notifications in the ACN, making them the highest reported category. Hazards include pesticide residues, mycotoxins, pathogenic microorganisms, metals, environmental pollutants, and contaminants. Chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and dimethoate were the most prevalent residues.

Products from non-EU countries account for 84 percent of the notifications. As in past years, Turkey was the most fre...