Official controls are carried out by competent authorities to:
- ensure the safety and integrity of all food, food products and ingredients at each stage of the agri-food chain
- verify that all involved in the agri-food chain are complying with legislation requirements and hygiene standards
Official controls include audits, inspections, sampling and analysis of food establishments, foods and goods.
See a review of official controls.
Member States are required to organise official controls in a way that ensures efficient and effective coordination of all competent authorities involved in performing official controls and other official activities.