This Act establishes the bases for the handling of food, the self-checking of a food business operator, measures to ensure the supply of food, and state supervision in order to ensure food safety and compliance with requirements. The Act applies to the handling of food and, where appropriate, to materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. It excludes activities intended for private domestic use and certain categories of products regulated by other legislation.
The Act defines food, primary production, operators, and food handling. It provides for notification obligations and activity licences for food business operators, including the submission of information and registration in the national register of food and feed business operators. It lays down requirements for food, including provisions on novel food, genetically modified food, food additives, contaminants, food supplements, and food for particular nutritional uses.
The Act establishes general requirements for food handling, including compliance with hygiene requirements, traceability of food, and obligations of operators. It provides for self‑checking systems, declarations of conformity, certification, and requirements for the presentation of food information. It also regulates the bringing of food to Estonia, export of food, official controls, sampling and analysis, and the authorization of laboratories.
The Act provides for measures to ensure the supply of food in emergency situations, including the designation of providers of vital services and related obligations. It regulates the organisation of state supervision, including supervision procedures and measures, and provides for a food supervision fee. The Act also establishes liability and penalties for violations of the requirements relating to food, food handling, and presentation of information.