In the aftermath of the BSE crisis and several other food scandals, the EU decided to have an action plan for a pro-active new food policy. It has developed a “Farm to Fork” approach covering all sectors of the food and feed chain, with traceability as a basic concept. Key elements in the new approach are: a)the establishment of a framework regulation, b) the establishment of an independent body providing scientific advice to the legislators, c) the development of specific food and feed safety legislation including a major overhaul of the existing hygiene legislation, d) the creation of a framework for harmonized food controls.