What is food legislation?

Laws controlling the manufacture of foods have existed since 1266 AD when the Assize of Bread fixed the weights and prices of bread. Bread sellers were sent to the streets with a 'Baker's Dozen' to ensure compliance with regulations. The thirteenth loaf was commission for the seller or given to inspectors if bread was found to be underweight.

Today, food legislation regulates the manufacture of most foods to ensure that they are produced and sold in a safe and honest manner.

In most countries, food legislation regulating the production, trade and marketing of food is generally based on the FAO/WHO's Codex Alimentarius, an internationally recognised system of food regulation. When food is exported to another country, the food must meet food legislation requirements of that country.