[Food labelling and the role of consumers. Note n. 1]

Food labelling regulations increasingly involve the use of tools and procedures that give consumers a more active role in the assessment of food safety and in the application of risk management processes. In Europe, compulsory food labelling has been introduced for all foods, whether pre-packaged or not. To better define the consumer's role in the food safety evaluation process, this first note discusses the inspiring principles of the European and the Italian legislation on this matter. In addition, guidelines are provided for adapting food safety procedures to modern risk evaluation strategies in an effort to minimize risks for the consumers.