The Antici Group (Simplification) of the EU Council is scheduled to meet on 9 July 2026 at 14:30 in Brussels to examine the Presidency compromise text for the Omnibus X proposal, which aims to amend ten existing EU food and feed safety Regulations. The meeting, held in a 1+1 format at the Europa Building, will focus on the compromise text (ST 11412/26) and a steering note (WK 9779/26) as the sole substantive agenda item, with any other business (AOB) also listed.
The Omnibus X proposal seeks to simplify and strengthen food and feed safety requirements by amending Regulations covering areas such as genetically modified food and feed (Regulation 1829/2003), feed additives (1831/2003), food hygiene (852/2004 and 853/2004), pesticide residues (396/2005), animal by-products (1069/2009), plant protection products (1107/2009), biocidal products (528/2012), and official controls (2017/625), among others. The compromise text represents the latest attempt by the Council Presidency to reconcile member state positions on the simplification package.
No prior coverage of this file exists in the available record, making this the first substantive step in the legislative process to be reported. The meeting is a preparatory session for the Council's working party on simplification, and its outcome will inform further negotiations among member states. The European Commission originally proposed the Omnibus X package as part of its broader simplification agenda, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining high safety standards.
EU food and feed producers face potential compliance cost reductions from streamlined rules, but may need to adapt to new requirements during the transition. National food safety authorities will see changes in enforcement and monitoring obligations, with possible administrative savings. Consumer groups may benefit from maintained safety standards, though simplification could raise concerns if oversight is perceived as weakened. The agri-food sector, including small and medium enterprises, could gain from reduced paperwork, but larger firms may face adjustment costs.
After the Antici Group meeting, the compromise text will be forwarded to the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) for political guidance, and eventually to the Council for adoption. The European Parliament will also need to approve the final text under the ordinary legislative procedure.