Food safety is a foundational pillar for health, economic stability, and consumer confidence in Mediterranean countries. The region, characterized by its unique environmental and socio-economic conditions, faces distinct challenges in managing food safety risks. Recent scientific studies and European Union (EU) regulatory progress shed new light on these efforts, offering promising pathways for enhancing food safety systems.
Consumer Perceptions and Food Safety Management
A recent study analyzing consumer perceptions of food safety in Greece, Italy, and Spain reveals varying levels of awareness and trust across these countries. Importantly, the adoption of internationally recognized food safety management systems like HACCP and ISO 22000 aligns well with national regulatory frameworks, strengthening compliance and safeguarding health. These standards ensure systematic hazard identification and control throughout the food supply chain, tailored to Mediterranean environmental contexts[1].
EU Initiatives for Mediterranean Food Security and Safety
The EU’s commitment to the Mediterranean region is exemplified through the Euro-Mediterranean PRIMA initiative (2018-2028), a robust program promoting sustainable agriculture, efficient water management, and rural socio-economic development in Mediterranean EU states and neighboring countries such as Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia. PRIMA’s integrative approach supports food security and safety while fostering cross-border collaboration to address shared climate and resource challenges[2].
Additionally, EU strategy documents highlight the Mediterranean basin as particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, necessitating cohesive food safety policies and adaptive risk management frameworks. Programs under the European Parliament stress enhancing surveillance and strengthening legislative harmonization to address emerging threats, particularly in light of increasing environmental pressures[3][4].
Regulatory Progress and Challenges in Candidate and Neighboring Countries
Candidate countries like Turkey demonstrate ongoing efforts to align with stringent EU food safety standards, involving legislative reforms and capacity building for food control systems. Despite progress, challenges remain in full implementation and enforcement of these regulations, underscoring the need for continued EU support and monitoring[5][6].
Addressing Chemical Food Safety Risks
Scientific reviews of chemical risks in European foods emphasize the importance of monitoring pesticides, contaminants, and novel hazards. This is particularly relevant given the Mediterranean’s prominent agricultural sector and export markets. Coordinated research and policy actions are vital to mitigate risks and ensure food safety compliance in an evolving regulatory landscape[7].
Preserving the Mediterranean Diet and Ensuring Sustainable Food Production
Beyond safety, the Mediterranean diet represents an iconic cultural heritage with health and sustainability benefits. EU strategies integrating food safety, rural development, and environmental sustainability aim to preserve this legacy while advancing safe and resilient food systems adapted to regional characteristics[8].
EFRA Project: Integrating AI and Data Analytics for Enhanced Food Risk Prevention
The EFRA project aligns tightly with these Mediterranean food safety developments by providing an advanced, AI-enabled data analytics platform dedicated to food risk prevention. Leveraging heterogeneous data sources, including farm sensor data and regulatory information, EFRA supports real-time pathogen prediction, optimal pesticide use, and risk intelligence. This digital innovation is crucial for Mediterranean countries as they modernize food safety systems, aligning with EU regulations and scientific best practices to ensure safer and more sustainable food chains.
1. http://newmedit.ciheam.org/bup/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2-207-NEW-MEDIT-04-2022_06-Consumers-food-safety.pdf
2. https://gsri.gov.gr/en/protovoulies-draseis/euro-mediterranean-initiative-prima/
3. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2025/775874/EPRS_BRI(2025)775874_EN.pdf
4. https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/health-and-food-safety_en
5. https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/8010c4db-6ef8-4c85-aa06-814408921c89_en?filename=Türkiye+Report+2024.pdf
6. https://dairynews.today/global/news/eu-reports-progress-and-challenges-in-food-safety-across-nations.html
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12071582/
8. https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/newsroom/05-12-2025-mediterranean-diet-more-than-just-a-way-of-eating-eu-strategy-for-adriatic-and-ionian-vision-for-2030_en
