Online platforms: new actors of the food chain Qualification challenges and food information responsibilities

Food e-commerce is a rapidly developing market. Regrettably, the number of products exchanged on the web that may be harmful to consumers is steadily growing, too. This new development poses challenges for controlling authorities and legislators in their mission to protect EU consumers’ health and economic interests, leading to a lively discussion on the status, role, and responsibilities of e-platforms in the age of food online. Standing at the intersection of law, food and digital technology, this thesis looks at the development of food online and documents how – and first, whether - EU regulators and courts have been addressing it. It pays particular attention to two aspects of food e-commerce regulation: the qualification of food online and the role of e-platforms with regards to food information, and ultimately, food safety.