Food is commonly associated with ingredients, storage, and expiration dates. However, a less visible but significant risk lies in contamination from Food Contact Materials (FCMs). These are substances used in food packaging, processing, storage, transport and distribution that can transfer chemicals into food (European Commission, 2020). Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to serious health concerns, including hormone disruption, cancer, and metabolic disorders (Inter

On 3 June 2026, the European Commission published the European Semester report. The 2026 cycle of the European Semester aims to sets the priorities for coordinated EU action to strengthen EU competitiveness, resilience, social cohesion and strategic autonomy (European Commission, 2026). The Spring package is aligned with the Union's Competitiveness Compass, which is going to strengthen Europe's economy by closeing the innovation gap, accelerating the transition to clean energ

The European Commission presented today its “simplification” of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). It includes some relief in administration, but for importers of timber, soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, rubber and cattle, the reality remains complex. The simplification has not lead to deregulation, but is more of a shift from theoretical ambition to operational pragmatism. Let’s start with what has not changed. Importers are still responsible for: Full traceability to the