As the complexity of the global food market increases, so does the importance of ensuring that what we consume is safe, wholesome, and nutritious. In response to these challenges, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and its partners across Europe have reintroduced the Safe2Eat campaign for 2026. This initiative aims to empower citizens by providing clear, science-based information about food safety. It seeks to enhance consumer confidence and ensure that everyone can make informed and safe food choices.
Now in its sixth year, the Safe2Eat campaign is a cornerstone of the European Union’s strategy to promote food safety. The campaign endeavors to simplify the complexities of food safety science, translating them into practical guidance that citizens can incorporate into their daily lives. By doing so, Safe2Eat reinforces the EU’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of health and well-being among its citizens through safe food practices.
Expanding reach across Europe
Since its inception, the Safe2Eat campaign has steadily increased its geographical footprint, now reaching 23 countries across Europe and beyond. This expansion reflects both the initiative’s growing influence and the universal importance of its message. By transcending borders, the campaign plays a critical role in promoting a cohesive approach to food safety that benefits a diverse population.
In 2025, the campaign was notably successful, reaching 41% of the citizens in surveyed countries via comprehensive outreach efforts. This broad visibility was complemented by a more profound engagement with food safety topics, as individuals exposed to Safe2Eat showed increased attentiveness to their food choices. This underscores the campaign’s effectiveness in fostering a better understanding of safe food practices among the public.
The growing reach of the campaign is instrumental not just in raising awareness but also in building trust in the European Union’s food safety systems. The success of Safe2Eat in previous years has cemented its role in enhancing the transparency and reliability of information presented to consumers, ensuring they can make confident food-related decisions.
Building on success: What’s new in 2026?
Building on the achievements of its previous editions, Safe2Eat 2026 introduces several new focus areas that address current consumer concerns. The campaign directs attention to three key areas: safe food practices, the relationship between food and health, and transparency concerning what’s in your food. These focus areas are designed to cater to prevalent consumer questions and promote an informed populace.
The 2026 campaign includes practical advice on reading labels and safely handling, storing, and preparing food, all grounded in the latest scientific evidence. These initiatives are aimed at combating misinformation and helping consumers implement safe food practices in their daily lives. By demystifying complex scientific concepts surrounding food safety, the campaign makes it easier for people to relate to and apply this knowledge.
Additionally, the campaign sheds light on how food choices impact health, emphasizing balanced diets and nutritional needs supported by scientific evidence. By elucidating the science behind dietary recommendations and health claims, Safe2Eat empowers citizens to make healthful food choices conducive to their well-being.
What’s in your food
Safe2Eat’s focus on explaining “what’s in your food” addresses widespread curiosities and concerns about food ingredients, such as additives, flavorings, and allergen information. European requirements ensure that these components are safe before they become part of the food supply, and the campaign aims to enhance consumer understanding of these safety standards.
Food safety is further reinforced by best practices in food handling. The campaign promotes adherence to safe storage, cooking methods, and kitchen hygiene tips that are valuable for everyone from farmers to everyday cooks. By providing clear, guideline-backed recommendations that detail everything from shelf life to nutritional content, Safe2Eat empowers individuals to maintain food safety at every step, from purchase to consumption.
