In a bid to bolster consumer safety, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) in Belgium has escalated its efforts against unregistered online food sellers following a surge in complaints. Over the past two years, FASFC inspectors probed into more than 450 grievances related to websites and social media profiles selling food without proper authorization. The majority of cases revealed that the sellers were not registered with the agency, highlighting a critical lapse in ensuring the safety of online-sold products.
The number of complaints has seen a sharp rise from 170 in 2021 to 240 in 2022 and over 210 in 2023. Notably, consumers have expressed concerns about the credibility of sellers, with a third of the complaints in the last two years focusing on sellers not being registered with FASFC. Homemade food products, including baked goods and prepared meals, marketed through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, were among the reported grievances.
FASFC emphasized that while selling food online is not prohibited, sellers must adhere to legal requirements, including registration with the agency. The registration process involves obtaining two numbers as a self-employed person and registering operations with FASFC. Failure to comply may result in visits and inspections, with associated fees.
David Clarinval, Minister of Agriculture, underscored the importance of guaranteeing the safety of online-sold food, stating, “Online sales are gaining importance, and food safety must always be guaranteed. Effective controls contribute to fairer competition between different suppliers.”
To enhance transparency, FASFC urged consumers to verify a company’s information, such as its name, address, contact details, and operating number, on its online platforms. The agency cautioned against dealing with sellers who prefer private channels of communication, emphasizing that a valid company number is the best way to ensure the seller is recognized by Belgian authorities.
In a recent meeting, FASFC discussed the crucial theme of food safety culture, emphasizing its significance in preventing incidents and crises. As Belgium holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, food safety culture will remain a focal point in upcoming events, further underscoring the nation’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards in food safety.