This article was first published at IHS Markit (subscription required), 3 September 2020

The internet has become a platform for selling food across the globe. This phenomenon has even increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some malevolent operators use the current crisis as a business opportunity and have freed themselves from the EU food legislation.

Annexes I and II of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 lay down the general hygiene provisions that food business operators must comply with to ensure food safety throughout the food chain. The European Commission is empowered to update and adapt those Annexes, taking into account, among others, scientific advice (article 13). On this basis, the European