INTRODUCTION: Ensuring food safety is a challenge for developed and developing countries and depends on the combined efforts of government, regulators, academia, consumers, food producers, and suppliers. 

OBJECTIVE: In this work, an overview of the main regulatory aspects related to chemical hazards in the Brazilian food and beverage industry is presented. The presence of contaminants, food additives, and residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, including current regulations and their impacts on the safety and quality of locally produced foods, are discussed. 

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the assessment, management, and communication of human health risks in food and beverage are the joint responsibility of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, which enforce the international regulations established mainly by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the European Commission, and the US Food and Drug Administration. 

CONCLUSIONS: Constant updates of the national legislation following internationally recognized standards, the intensification of the existing monitoring plans and efficient actions of sanitary surveillance, major investments in scientific research, and a greater awareness among the food producers may contribute to the safety and quality of the food produced in Brazil.