Belgian government plans deep cuts to food safety watchdog

Belgium’s federal government plans to cut the budget of the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) by 24 per cent by 2029. More than half of the savings would have to be made this year.

Consumer organisation Testaankoop, part of the FAVV’s Advisory Committee, has strongly criticised the decision, warning of serious risks to public health. “Our government is organising the next food crisis itself”, the organisation said, arguing that fewer resources will lead directly to fewer food safety controls.

The FAVV was set up after the dioxin crisis and has played a key role in building a reliable food safety system in Belgium. However, according to Testaankoop, the agency has already lost more than €36 million in funding since 2014. The new plans would further weaken its ability to carry out inspections.

Testaankoop also criticised the timing of the decision. The EU’s Mercosur trade agreement is expected to increase food imports from South America, which would require more checks. “If the limited resources of the Agency are used for increased import controls, this will inevitably be at the expense of national controls in supermarkets, restaurants and with producers”, said Laura Clays of Testaankoop.

The organisation has called on the government to reverse the cuts. “The budgetary ‘gain’ of these savings does not outweigh the enormous social and economic cost of a new crisis”, Clays said.

The FAVV has confirmed that budget cuts are planned but has not given further details.

 ^{© BELGA PHOTO SISKA GREMMELPREZ}