Annual reports
EU countries are responsible for the implementation of risk-based official controls, which aim to verify that operators in the agri-food chain comply with EU law and, where this is not the case, the national authorities are expected to enforce these laws and take steps to bring those operators back into compliance. Through control activities, including audits, the Commission services verify the implementation of official controls and related enforcement activities by the EU countries.
Our annual reports describe the overall outcome of the national and Commission control activities to ensure a high level of health protection and trust in the areas of food and feed law, animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products. These areas are critically important in the daily lives of the people living in the EU. They are also key to enabling the smooth operation of trade in food, animals and plants, both within the EU itself and with non-EU countries.
The Commission’s annual reports cover the overall operation of controls in EU countries in the light of:
- the annual reports submitted by the national authorities on the implementation of their official controls; and
- the outcome of Commission controls carried out in the EU countries.
The most recent report from the Commission covers the years 2019 and 2020
This report presents data on the total number of entities active in the food chain and subject to official controls. It also provides details on the numbers and results of these official controls. Importantly, it presents for the first time, EU-wide statistics, based on the data submitted by the EU countries for year 2020.
The latest report is accompanied by a Staff Working Document, which provides further information about the controls carried out by the national authorities and by the Commission services in the areas of food and feed safety, animal and plant health, animal welfare, pesticides, organic farming and quality schemes.
These reports are produced in accordance with Article 114 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
Reports on the operation of official controls in Member States
- Report 2019/20 of March 2022
- Staff Working Document 2019/20 of March 2022
- Report 2017/18 of November 2020
- Staff Working Document 2017/18 of November 2020
- Report 2014/16 of September 2018
- Staff Working Document 2014/16 of September 2018
- Report of 04/10/2013
- Report of 23/03/2012
- Report of 25/08/2010
Annual reports: 1998-2008
Further information
Annual reportsOur annual reports describe the overall outcome of national and Commission control activities to ensure a high level of health and food safety. | Work programmesOur annual work programme identifies the work priorities in context of identified risks, legal obligations and Commission priorities. | Audit reportsSearch and view Audit reports produced by the department. |
Overview reportsSearch and view Overview reports produced by the department. | Audit mapView the map, select a country to see a list of audits. | Country profilesA compilation of key information for each Member State. |
NewsSee our latest publications and news. | VideosA selection of videos to help demonstrate what we do. |