The objective of this paper is to summarize an extensive bibliographical search by presenting the retrospective of EU organic food from the point of regulation, policy framework, trends and challenges. We also make a critical review of existing scientific evidence regarding European trends in organic food consumption and production and we identify research gaps for future comprehensive assessments of the policy and legal framework. This review has indicated the importance of the two pillars, namely regulation and policy, highlighting not only the need for solid restrictions regarding organic food production, however also the need to support food safety and consumer confidence in the growing organic food market.
Keywords: Codex Alimentarius Guidelines; food security; human health; organic food; soil protection.