EU: Hygiene of Foodstuffs
The European Commission, Health and Food Safety Directorate General notified the World Trade Organization of the Draft Commission Regulation amending the Annexes to Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs as regards food allergen management, redistribution of food and food safety culture.
The objective of the revision is to adapt the Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs to new trends and priorities related to food safety that emerged at EU and global level.
The Amendment introduces requirements to prevent or limit the presence of substances causing allergies or intolerances in equipment, conveyances and/or containers used for the harvesting, transport or storage of foodstuffs. It also sets certain requirements in order to promote and facilitate redistribution of food, while guaranteeing its safety for consumers. As food donations present several new food challenges at retail level, additional general hygiene requirements are needed. Finally, the document also includes general requirements on ‘food safety culture’, taking into account the Codex’s revision on General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969).
The objective of the revision is to adapt the Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs to new trends and priorities related to food safety that emerged at EU and global level.
The Amendment introduces requirements to prevent or limit the presence of substances causing allergies or intolerances in equipment, conveyances and/or containers used for the harvesting, transport or storage of foodstuffs. It also sets certain requirements in order to promote and facilitate redistribution of food, while guaranteeing its safety for consumers. As food donations present several new food challenges at retail level, additional general hygiene requirements are needed. Finally, the document also includes general requirements on ‘food safety culture’, taking into account the Codex’s revision on General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969).
USA: Smarter Food Safety
On July 13, 2020, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint.
FDA is taking a new approach to food safety, leveraging technology and other tools to create a safer and more digital, traceable food system. The ultimate goal is to bend the curve of foodborne illness in the US by reducing the number of illnesses.
The New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint document represents achievable goals to enhance traceability, improve predictive analytics, respond more rapidly to outbreaks, address new business models, reduce contamination of food, and foster the development of stronger food safety cultures. It outlines a partnership between government, industry and public health advocates. It is centered around four core elements:
FDA is taking a new approach to food safety, leveraging technology and other tools to create a safer and more digital, traceable food system. The ultimate goal is to bend the curve of foodborne illness in the US by reducing the number of illnesses.
The New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint document represents achievable goals to enhance traceability, improve predictive analytics, respond more rapidly to outbreaks, address new business models, reduce contamination of food, and foster the development of stronger food safety cultures. It outlines a partnership between government, industry and public health advocates. It is centered around four core elements:
- Tech-enabled Traceability
- Smarter Tools and Approaches for Prevention and Outbreak Response
- New Business Models and Retail Modernization
- Food Safety Culture