Food safety, environmental improvement and economic efficiency in The Netherlands

Food safety is a major public concern in The Netherlands following mishaps in the animal feed industry. These were associated with the handling of wastes. Financial gains to those responsible have been outweighed by economic losses. Other safety risks include the presence of infectious bacteria and viruses, mycotoxins, additives, substances derived from packaging and conversion products originating in food processing. Present risks and presumable trends in food safety are highlighted. Substantial improvement of food safety is possible. In part, such improvement is linked to environmental improvement, but there are also cases in which reductions in risk may increase the environmental burden of food supply. Improvement of food safety often entails increased costs. Major retailers and food producers apparently feel that consumers are willing to pay for substantially improved food safety. There are also health related financial benefits associated with reduced food risk.