The EU AI Act

Navigating the future of trusted AI in the food chain to ensure food safety

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming food safety, supporting activities ranging from hazard detection and traceability to predictive risk assessment, foodborne outbreak forecasting, inspection support, and supply chain monitoring. As AI technologies become more integrated into food systems, understanding the European Union’s new regulatory framework is becoming essential for food safety professionals.

The EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework on artificial intelligence. Based on a risk-based approach, the regulation aims to foster trustworthy AI while ensuring the protection of health, safety, fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The Act entered into force on 1 August 2024 and establishes harmonised rules across the European single market for the development, deployment, and use of AI systems.

To support the implementation of the AI Act, the European Commission has established the AI Act Service Desk, a central initiative designed to help stakeholders understand and comply with the new requirements.

A key component of this initiative is the AI Act Single Information Platform, which provides online interactive tools to help organizations determine whether they are subject to obligations under the AI Act and understand the steps needed to achieve compliance.

The Platform serves as an accessible and up-to-date information hub, offering practical guidance on how the regulation applies in different contexts. By supporting compliance efforts, the AI Act Service Desk also contributes to strengthening the European AI innovation ecosystem, including startups and SMEs operating across the AI value chain.

For food safety professionals, researchers, businesses, and regulators, the Platform represents a valuable resource for navigating this evolving regulatory environment and ensuring that AI solutions are developed and used responsibly.