Ireland joins EU campaign to support safer, smarter food choices this summer
Ireland has launched the 2026 Safe2Eat campaign, a major European initiative providing clear, science-based advice to help people make safer food choices as the busy summer season approaches.
22 April 2026 – Led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and supported in Ireland by Safefood, the campaign returns for its sixth year, building on strong engagement across Europe and encouraging people to think more critically about the food they eat. Running from April to July, the campaign provides practical, easy-to-follow advice designed to support safer everyday habits — particularly during the summer months when food is more likely to be prepared, shared and eaten outdoors. This includes key seasonal moments for family and friends' gatherings, such as BBQ season and family celebrations.
Safe2Eat plays an important role in helping people across Ireland make informed decisions about the food they eat every day, giving them confidence and trust in the safety of their food. Partnering with EFSA is an important partnership to support protecting public health
— Joanne Uí Chrualaoich, CEO, Safefood
In Ireland, the campaign will focus on practical guidance around food allergens and food composition, helping consumers better understand ingredients and labelling; along with advice on safe food handling to avoid food poisoning, including how to safely prepare, store and cook food at home.
Speaking about the campaign, Joanne Uí Chrualaoich, Safefood CEO, said: “Safe2Eat plays an important role in helping people across Ireland make informed decisions about the food they eat every day, giving them confidence and trust in the safety of their food. Partnering with EFSA is an important partnership to support protecting public health.”
“As we head into the sociable summer months — with BBQs, family gatherings and outdoor eating — it’s especially important that people have clear, practical advice to help them prepare and handle food safely. This campaign helps make food safety simple and part of everyday life.” The 2026 campaign builds on the success of previous years, which saw growing awareness and engagement among consumers. Research shows that those exposed to the Safe2Eat campaign are more likely to consider food safety when making decisions and to engage more actively with information about what they eat. Now spanning 23 countries, the campaign continues to expand its reach, reinforcing the importance of accessible, science-based communication in supporting public confidence in food safety.
Nikolaus Kriz, Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), said: “Every day, people make choices about what to eat, and they deserve to feel safe and informed. Safe2Eat 2026 turns complex scientific knowledge into practical, easy-to-use advice on handling, preparing, and understanding what’s in their food, from additives and flavourings to novel ingredients and allergens. By providing guidance people can apply at home or in daily life, the campaign promotes critical thinking, empowers citizens, and strengthens confidence in the EU’s science-based food safety system, helping everyone make safe, informed choices.” Irish consumers can learn more and access expert-backed advice by visiting efsa.europa.eu/en/safe2eat and join the conversation using #Safe2EatEU.
--ENDS--
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Maria Tracey, Springboard Communications
M: +353.85.7043431 | E: [email protected]
About Safefood
Safefood is an all-island body set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. Its role is to promote awareness and knowledge of food safety and nutrition on the island of Ireland. It does this by providing food safety and healthy eating advice to the public; carrying out research into food safety; promoting scientific co-operation and links between laboratories; providing independent assessment of the food supply chain and carries out surveillance of diet-related disease. For more see www.safefood.net
About EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an agency of the European Union set up in 2002 to serve as an impartial source of scientific advice to risk managers and to communicate on risks associated with the food chain. It provides the scientific basis for laws and regulations to protect European consumers from food-related risks and cooperates with national partners to promote the coherence of public information on food safety in the EU.
