EU Adapts Food Import Controls for Safety Standards
In a bid to uphold and strengthen food safety standards, the European Commission has modified the frequency of inspections on various imported products, marking a significant adjustment to the rate of official controls and special conditions for non-animal-origin food and feed entering Europe.
The alterations, effective every six months, are grounded in data derived from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and insights from inspections conducted by EU countries in early 2023. The move is part of the EU's ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for the benefit of consumers.
One notable change pertains to ethylene oxide, where inspections on certain products will be relaxed from 50% to 30% of shipments. This adjustment comes after a thorough examination of compliance reports and findings in the Rapid Alert System, reflecting a nuanced approach to risk assessment.
Conversely, checks on sesame seeds from India have been tightened to 30% of consignments due to concerns about Salmonella contamination. This strategic shift aligns with the EU's proactive stance on potential health risks associated with food imports.
The revisions also address specific concerns related to ethylene oxide in products such as instant noodles containing spices and seasonings or sauces from South Korea. Recognizing improved compliance, the control level for these items has been reduced from 20% to 10% of consignments entering the EU.
Moreover, the legislation introduces stricter checks on cumin seeds from Turkey for pyrrolizidine alkaloids, with the frequency of identity and physical inspections increasing to 30%. Guar gum from India, previously subjected to heightened controls due to contamination risks, will now see a reduction from 50% to 30% of consignments.
Peanuts from the U.S. will continue to undergo checks at a frequency of 20% for aflatoxins, ensuring a sustained focus on product safety. Meanwhile, the EU Commission has updated rules related to food and feed import conditions following the Chernobyl nuclear power station incident in 1986.
These changes underscore the EU's commitment to continuously reassess and adapt its regulatory framework to address emerging challenges in the global food market. As the world navigates complex issues like contamination risks and environmental concerns, the European Union remains at the forefront of promoting rigorous food safety measures for the well-being of its citizens.
