Ensuring Food Safety: Legislation, Recalls, Withdrawals, and Consumer Protection Measures in Romania

Abstract

The voluntary withdrawal from the international market, including Romania, and the recall of food products by consumers are based on the precautionary principle. The withdrawn batches pose certain risks to consumers, and food safety emphasizes prevention. The paper proposes an analysis of food recalls in Romania, based on official communications from relevant public institutions. From 2016 to 2023, the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority in Romania reported 337 food recalls, with the majority initiated by FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) traders. Batches of fruits and vegetables, followed by ices and desserts, cereals and bakery products, as well as meat and meat products, were frequently removed from the market, primarily due to suspected presence of allergens, chemical contaminants, or microbiological issues. In terms of origin, the withdrawn batches were predominantly imported from Turkey, China, or Latin America. The research provides relevant information about the food withdrawals and recalls policy in Romania and will enable the development of a broader study regarding the capacity of companies operating in the domestic market to handle critical food safety incidents.

Keywords

• food safety
• withdrawals
• recalls
• romania