Table 1.

Comparison key elements of the EU–US food regulatory systems.

In Brief
“Precautionary principle”	Fundamental part of risk management	Concept not endorsed as a basis for policy making
Societal, economic, ethical or environmental concepts	Taken into account in risk management decision in line with consumer right to information and choice	”Other factors” considered as barriers to trade
Approach to ensuring food safety	Integrated “farm-to-fork” approach	Safety mostly verified at the end of the process
Food risk evaluation	Full scientific assessment by the EFSA for regulated products such as GMO’s and additives	Largely relies on companies’ own private assessment

EFSA, European Food Safety Agency; GMO, Genetic Modified Organisms.