Purpose: With the introduction of HACCP and the inclusion of the concept of self-control, Italian and European food companies have gone from a control on the final product to a preventive control of the entire chain. Italian and European food companies are characterized by a small dimension; in fact 99% have from 2 to less than 10 workers. We will try to explain how in the EU Union, characterized by micro enterprises, it was possible to adapt to a radical regulatory change.
Methods: The new regulations were transformed from simple sheets in black and white to color-rich designs manual that transformed the new concepts in friendly characters. The winning idea was changing the whole communication system; thanks to this changing the companies' managers easly understand the new language of the EU Regulations.
Results: The change of behavior has been made possible by the simple understanding of growth opportunities created by the new food safety system. Due to the commitment and openness to change of the client companies, regulatory compliance has been achieved in just two years in 98% of the total.
Significance: Behaviour change is possible. It was difficult at the starting point but became amazing when we understood the right channels of communication that would facilitate individuals and companies to achieve the proper implementation of laws and standards and the protection of public health.