The European Commission has introduced changes to the frequency of inspections for various imported food products, signaling a nuanced approach to safety measures. The revised legislation, which governs official controls and special conditions for non-animal origin food and feed entering Europe, undergoes adjustments every six months.
Informed by data from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and insights gathered through documents, identity checks, and physical inspections conducted by EU member states in early 2023, the decisions reflect an evolving landscape of compliance and risk mitigation.
Notable alterations include tightened checks on sesame seeds from India for Salmonella, with inspections increased to 30 percent of consignments. Conversely, controls for ethylene oxide have been eased, reducing from 50 percent to 30 percent of shipments.
Ethylene oxide-related amendments also impact instant noodles containing spices and seasonings or sauces from South Korea. The control level, previously set at 20 percent of consignments due to contamination risk, has been lowered to 10 percent following improved compliance reported by member states.
Stricter checks on food supplements with botanicals from South Korea and certain peppers from Uganda, originally imposed due to ethylene oxide concerns, have been lifted. Meanwhile, the scrutiny on cumin seeds from Turkey for pyrrolizidine alkaloids has been heightened to 30 percent.
Guar gum from India, previously subject to increased controls due to contamination risks, has seen a reduction from 50 percent to 30 percent of consignments entering the EU, reflecting improved compliance.
Aflatoxin checks for peanuts from the U.S. will continue at a frequency of 20 percent, while controls on vanilla extract for pesticide residues remain unchanged at 20 percent.
Pesticide residues are a focal point for many updates, with heightened oversight on various products from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, and Pakistan. Notably, controls have been relaxed for mint from Israel.
The EU Commission has also addressed import conditions for food and feed from other countries in the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station accident. The rules cover products containing or derived from wild mushrooms and wild fruits, with specified maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination.
In a bid to balance safety protocols with efficient trade, these adjustments reflect the EU's commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of imported food products while considering evolving compliance dynamics.
