Israel set to adopt European food regulations

To streamline the import of foods from the European Union (EU) into Israel, the country has adopted 44 legislative pieces of European food law. These cover various aspects of the food supply chain, including labelling, contaminants, food contact materials, and specific standards like those for mineral water.

Compliance with the EU contaminants regulations 2023/915 will enter into force immediately, with a transition period to the end of December 2024. Starting January 1, 2025, all importers with ‘Proper Importer Status’ must comply with most of these legislative pieces (with the exception of the labelling legislation). Meanwhile, food business operators (FBOs) will have a three-year transition period, which can be extended by up to two additional years, potentially pushing the final adoption date to January 1, 2030.

During these transition periods, adoption of the new legislative pieces is voluntary. All will become mandatory once the transition periods end.
Understanding the 44 legislative pieces is crucial for ensuring compliant and smooth importation of food, beverages, and supplements from the EU into Israel, as well as for all FBOs. These regulations cover most aspects of the supply chain, from farm to fork.

For example, in the area of contaminants and processing methods, four EU regulations have already been adopted in 2023, including Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, which sets maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. This will be supplemented by others, such as Commission Regulation (EC) No 915/2023.

Another important area is the use of nutrition and health claims, which involves adopting Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. However, FBOs need to be aware of additional nuances, such as the restriction that health claims can only be used on supplements and food/beverage products that do not carry the Israeli-designated red Front-of-Pack warning symbols.

To ensure compliant import and production of food for the Israeli market, it is essential to stay updated on the evolving regulatory landscape and be aware of critical announcements and implementations. Leatherhead Food Research Members will be kept informed of such changes through our weekly Global Legal Highlights newsletter.

For in-depth support on any of these regulations, or any other regulatory questions, please get in touch at [email protected]. Leatherhead’s experienced team of scientists and regulatory experts can support you every step of the way.

To learn more about membership and Global Legal Highlights, please reach out to our membership team at [email protected].