FAO Report: Organic Label Not a Guarantee of Food Safety
According to a recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the organic label is not a guarantee of food safety. The report argues that the organic certification refers only to a product that has been produced in accordance with certain standards throughout the production, handling, processing and marketing stages; it does not refer to the characteristics and properties of the finished product.
Moreover, the agency says that with the adoption of proper agricultural practices, both conventional and organic farming systems have the potential to produce safe food.
The full report can be found here.
Moreover, the agency says that with the adoption of proper agricultural practices, both conventional and organic farming systems have the potential to produce safe food.
The full report can be found here.
EU Import Controls and Emergency Measures: New Provisions for Brazil, China, India and Turkey
On April 21, the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/608, amending the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 on the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the Union of certain goods from certain third countries, entered into force. The following provisions may affect nut and dried fruit imports:
- For peanuts (groundnuts) from Brazil and from China, the frequency of identity and physical checks are decreased at 10%;
- For peanuts (groundnuts) from India, the frequency of identity and physical checks to be performed are increased from 10% to 50%;
- For dried grapes from Turkey, previously listed in Annex I due to the risk of contamination by ochratoxin A, an increased level of official controls is no longer justified, the entry in the Annex should be deleted;
- For hazelnuts from Turkey, the frequency of non-compliance has decreased: they are deleted from Annex II, and included instead in Annex I, with the frequency of identity and physical checks at 5%.
The link to the regulation can be found here.
EFSA Publishes Pesticides in Food Report
On April 7, the European Food Safety Authority published its latest report on pesticide residues in food in the European Union. According to the data collected (96,302 samples analyzed in 2019), more than 95% of the samples tested contained pesticide residue levels within the permitted levels.
Furthermore, a dietary risk assessment was carried out, suggesting that the food commodities analyzed in 2019 were unlikely to pose a concern for consumer health. The report concludes with recommendations aiming to increase the efficiency of European control systems.
Furthermore, a dietary risk assessment was carried out, suggesting that the food commodities analyzed in 2019 were unlikely to pose a concern for consumer health. The report concludes with recommendations aiming to increase the efficiency of European control systems.
Feedback on Regulation 1793/2019, Increased Controls and Emergency Measures
In recent news from the European Federation of the Trade in Dried Fruit, Edible Nuts, Processed Fruit & Vegetables, Processed Fishery Products (FRUCOM), the European Commission offered an update regarding the proposed changes of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 1793/2019 on the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the Union of certain goods from certain third countries.
- For Ochratoxin A, the European Commission and Member States consider appropriate the following limits: 8 ppb for dried vine fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas) and dried figs, 2 ppb for other dried fruit (including dates), 5 ppb for pistachios.
- For hydrocyanic acid, the discussion is still ongoing. A maximum level of 35 ppm is provisionally concluded for almonds, however this limit may still be changed in further rounds of discussions that should take place next month.
Chile Introduces Risk Assessment of Plant Products
Chile’s Agriculture and Livestock Service (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero, SAG) notified the WTO the Resolution No. 1284/2021, establishing the categorization of four groups of plant products according to their pest risk, taking into account the method and level of processing applied, and their intended use. The products include goods entering the country for use as animal feed. The text also covers verification of compliance with the certification requirements for imported organic products.
Roasted and/or salted nuts are placed in the lowest, category one of the new risk profile due to processing. The regulation entered into force on March 16, 2021.
Link to the WTO notification can be found here.
Roasted and/or salted nuts are placed in the lowest, category one of the new risk profile due to processing. The regulation entered into force on March 16, 2021.
Link to the WTO notification can be found here.
South Korea, Revision on Imported Food Safety Controls
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has notified the WTO of a proposed revision of the "Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control". The revisions proposed include authorization requirements, inspection procedures and increased fines for failing to carry out hygiene inspection for the processing company.
Link to the WTO notification can be found here.
Link to the WTO notification can be found here.