These rules are already in force, they were approved by government decree in January 2025. The simplified rules were developed by the MAIA Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry in cooperation with the ANSA agency. So far, 33 economic entities of the mentioned categories have registered their activities under the new rules. The possibility to supply food directly to consumers or retail outlets that prefer to cooperate with small local producers was highly appreciated by the latter.
The regulation establishes food hygiene and safety requirements adapted to this type of activity and simplifies their application for enterprises with a small production volume. Thus, small entrepreneurs can carry out their activities without having to necessarily comply with the requirements developed for large industrial enterprises.
Among the changes introduced is the abolition of the mandatory implementation of the HACCP safety and quality system. It is sufficient for small producers to follow good hygiene practices in accordance with the guidelines developed by ANSA.
Thus, small farmers and households may legally sell animal and non-animal products at markets, local fairs or directly from households. Traditional methods of food preparation are also allowed, including in small, specialized agro-pension facilities. The regulation also established, as MAIA said, “adapted conditions for small abattoirs and businesses that process and sell raw milk through vending machines.”
The simplified rules reduce the financial burden on small businesses, as there is no need to equip them with complex technological equipment typical of large processing enterprises.
