The Role of the Legal Regulation of Electronic Food Contracts in Strengthening Food Security and Consumer Protection in Algerian Legislation

Academic Intervention

Abstract

The expansion of electronic commerce has transformed the ways in which consumers access goods and services, including food products. In Algeria, this transformation raises important legal issues because the online sale of food does not concern ordinary goods only; it concerns products directly connected to public health, consumer safety, traceability, storage, transport, labelling, conformity and contractual liability. The electronic food contract is therefore a complex legal relationship situated at the intersection of electronic commerce law, consumer protection law, food safety requirements, electronic evidence and personal data protection.
This intervention examines the role of the legal regulation of electronic food contracts in strengthening food security and consumer protection under Algerian legislation. It focuses mainly on Law No. 18-05 of 10 May 2018 relating to electronic commerce, Law No. 09-03 of 25 February 2009 relating to consumer protection and the repression of fraud, and Law No. 15-04 of 1 February 2015 laying down the general rules relating to electronic signature and electronic certification.[1] [2] [3] The central argument is that effective protection in the online food sector cannot be achieved merely by recognising the validity of electronic contracts. It also requires transparent online offers, reliable identification of the electronic supplier, accurate pre-contractual food information, conformity and safety guarantees, secure payment, electronic evidence, personal data protection, and effective remedies in cases of non-conformity or harm.