Abstract Issue The rapid alert system is a procedure codified in the European Community, designed to guarantee the speed of communications and consequent measures, that should be adopted if a food or feed represents a serious risk for health. Description of the Problem ATS Val Padana implements several measures in cases of food or feed that don't satisfy safety requirements, imported, produced, processed, or distributed by companies located in its area of competence. ATS checks the completeness and effectiveness of the actions undertaken/planned by the food/feed industry operator. The checks are focused on: - Preparation of the distribution list Activation of withdrawal/recall procedures;information provided to consumers;management of the withdrawn products;adoption of measures to prevent the placement of product on the marketAdoption of the traceability systemNotification to the authorities Results In November 2018-November 2019, 205 alerts were registered (11 in 2018, 191 in 2019) and specifically: - Alert notifications (risk requiring rapid action in another country): 154 Information notifications for follow-up (product present or that could be placed on the market in another Member State): 22Information notifications for attention (product present only in the Notifier country or has not been placed on the market or is no longer on the market): 29 The notifications concerned: the Department of Veterinary and Safety of Animal Origin Food(89), the Department of Hygiene and Health Prevention (89), both departments jointly (27). ATS Val Padana has managed the alerts and closed them on average within 7.59 days (DS 5.80, range 0-42). In one case the alert was closed after a month. Lessons The effectiveness of the Alert System depends first of the communications speed, as well as of the guarantee of rapid times to analyze sampled matrices. Our results demonstrate how ATS Val Padana operates ensuring the maximum effectiveness of the Alert System. Key messages The rapid alert system is a codified procedure in the European Community, designed to guarantee the speed of communications and consequent measures. The effectiveness of the Alert System depends primarily on the speed of communications.