The Government of the Azores and the European Parliament Office in Portugal present an information campaign on food safety at the premises of the Azores Agricultural Fair on Pico this Saturday at 3:15 PM. 

This campaign aims to inform farmers and the public in general regarding the new rules proposed by the European Commission which are intended to provide more information to consumers about some components, such as salt, sugar and fats, on food labels.

In addition, the food sold in restaurants and canteens should contain information about the ingredients that may cause allergies. The proposals also include a mandatory reference to the country or region of origin on food labels.

In this context, it is of utmost importance to organise an information campaign on Food Safety in the Azores, where agriculture, the production of food products and the existence of products of designated origin have a considerable impact on the economy as well as on consumer habits.

This initiative takes place at a time when Brussels is discussing and about to approve a series of laws on food safety, which will enable consumers to choose the food they eat in a more informed and safe manner.

The campaign, which is supported by the Azorean Government, will begin on the island of Pico and consists in the distribution of flyers about the new food safety rules at the major agricultural fairs taking place in the Azores during the summer and information packages containing information on the legislation on food safety.

This initiative also comprises an advertising media campaign. 
Legislation on Food Labelling provides simple, clear labels containing information about the ingredients and possible health risks, such as allergies. The reference to the country of origin of food products will also become mandatory.

In addition to the Food Safety Campaign, the exhibition “Portugal Europeu, Meio Século de Historia” (European Portugal, Half Century of History) will travelling around the nine islands of the archipelago during the summer. 

This initiative counts on the partnership of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry and the Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation.