substance or product, whether processed, partially processed, or unprocessed, which is intended to be, or reasonably expected to be, ingested by humans. “Food” includes drink, chewing gum, and any substance, including water, intentionally incorporated into food during its manufacture, preparation, or treatment. As can be seen from this definition, the concept of “food” is broad, encompassing a variety of constituent components, each of which is subject to legal regulation both within the European Union and in Lithuania. Climate change, as well as pollution of water, soil, and air, poses significant challenges not only to agricultural producers but also to consumers. Therefore, it is important for society to be aware of and apply the principles of healthy nutrition when consuming safe food products. The State makes every effort to ensure that the food placed on the market, as well as its production processes, are safe and comply with the strict quality requirements established by the competent state authorities. However, in today’s context, entrepreneurs often face difficulties navigating the extensive body of legislation governing the placing of agricultural and food products on the market, as well as food safety and production processes. In order to form a sufficiently comprehensive and integrated approach to food safety, it is necessary to analyze in detail the legal acts with numerous provisions that have a direct or indirect impact on food and feed safety, including provisions for materials and products that may come into contact with food, feed and other agricultural products at the initial stage of production. To ensure safe food, it is necessary to analyze all stages of the food production chain: • primary food production, • feed production, • sale or supply of food to the consumer, since each component may affect food safety II. MAIN LEGISLATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION, SAFETY AND SUPPLY OF FOOD TO THE CONSUMER In Lithuania, the following primary legal acts govern food production, safety, and provision to consumers: Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council; the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Agriculture, Food Industry and Rural Development (2008); the Law on Food 659 GASTRONOMY LAW IN LITHUANIA – CURRENT ISSUES OF LEGAL REGULATION TODAY
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