Scientists Urged Suspension of Food Safety Proposal
Over 500 experts submitted an open letter requesting an independent impact assessment for pending EU legislation.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Nutrition
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More than 500 scientists and doctors have requested that the European Parliament suspend consideration of the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus. The signatories are calling for an independent impact assessment of the legislation, which would alter ten separate food and feed safety laws.
Why it matters
The letter, initiated by researcher Martina Vijver, highlights concerns about potential health and environmental impacts stemming from the proposed regulatory changes. Signatories argue that thorough, periodic re-evaluation of safety standards is essential before altering existing legislative frameworks.
The open letter represents researchers from over 20 European institutions calling for a halt to the proposed amendments. The legislation in question targets 10 separate pieces of existing food and feed safety laws across the European Union.
The players
Martina Vijver
She is the researcher who initiated the open letter regarding the proposed legislation.
Roberta Metsola
She serves as the President of the European Parliament and was the addressee of the scientists' letter.
European Parliament
This is the legislative body of the European Union currently tasked with considering the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus.
The details
The document was formally addressed to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on 17 September 2026. The signatories seek to pause the legislative process to ensure that any changes to current safety protocols undergo independent scientific scrutiny.
Timeline
2 September 2026: Martina Vijver attended a European Parliament hearing.
17 September 2026: The open letter was submitted to the European Parliament.
18 September 2026: The European Parliament scheduled consideration of the proposal.
Health Landscape
This collective action represents a broader trend of scientific communities seeking more rigorous independent oversight of the European Union's Food and Feed Safety Omnibus. The push for additional impact assessments underscores ongoing tensions between legislative efficiency and public safety in the European health regulatory landscape.
The outcome of this legislative review could change the safety standards and quality of food and feed products sold across the region. Consumers may see shifts in regulatory oversight as the parliament decides whether to proceed with or pause the proposed amendments.
The takeaway
This event highlights the increasing role of the scientific community in auditing legislative proposals for long-term health consequences. Experts advise that robust independent assessment remains a critical tool for maintaining public confidence in safety standards.
What happens next
The European Parliament is scheduled to consider the legislative proposal following the submission of the scientists' letter.
Further reading
For more background on current food policy, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pressenza.
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