Imports - OVS Note 08/25
This OVS Note was issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Therefore Defra cannot advise on its content. Please contact the FSA for further information. Tel: 020 7276 8018, email: imported.food@foodstandards.gsi.gov.ukGuidance on regulatory advice on import legislation (G.R.A.I.L.) database.
This letter is addressed to Chief Port Health Officers, Nominated Officers for Imported Food and Border Inspection Posts in England only.
In order to support enforcement officers in this important area of food law enforcement, the Food Standards Agency is pleased to announce the launch on Monday 31 March 2008 of the new Guidance & Regulatory Advice on Import Legislation (GRAIL) database.
The GRAIL database is based on a prototype version which has been piloted, since 2004, by 30 authorities responsible for the major ports in the UK. The system provides users with a searchable database of imported food legislation and guidance, with more detailed advice for products where there are specific concerns. GRAIL provides information relating to the import of products of non-animal origin and fish and fishery products from non-European Union (EU) countries, as these are the products for which the Agency has lead responsibility.
In response to comments received during the pilot exercise, the new version is internet based, which provides for increased functionality of the system, such as password protected access, an A-Z contacts list and a ‘news’ section. Hosting of the database on the internet also means that it can be updated on a daily basis and can be easily accessed by all UK enforcement authorities.
How Can I Access GRAIL?
The new GRAIL data query facility system can be accessed via the following link:
https://grail.foodapps.co.uk/grail/general/home.aspx
Once you have opened the system you will first need to register on the new system. To do this simply select "Log On" and then follow the simple on-screen instructions. Only once you have registered will you be able to access all of the areas the system has to offer.
GRAIL provides the user with support in the form of both a "Help" and an “Online training” facility; both of these functions are accessible via the "General" heading in the menu. The “Online training” facility can also be viewed using the following link: https://grail.foodapps.co.uk/cbt
Please see frequently asked questions below for further guidance.
Background
If you require further information on the reasons behind the introduction and development of the GRAIL database please go to:
http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/imports/agency_work/grail
Please contact my colleagues Mark Davis on 0207 276 8402, or Paul Stubbington on 0207 276 8397, if you or one of your colleagues has any queries when accessing, registering or using the new system. Alternatively, they can be contacted via email at: grail@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
From the positive feedback that we have received from your local authority/PHA colleagues who have piloted the system, we are confident that you will find the new system to be a useful tool in your enforcement of imported food law.
Ian Grist
Imported Food and Food Standards Enforcement Division
GRAIL – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: I have registered on GRAIL V2 but have not received an automated email from the system notifying me of the computer generated password?
A1: We believe the reason for this might be that the automated email (Titled: "GRAIL Account Registration Confirmation") comes from an address (grail@mistral.net) that may trigger your internal firewall system. The purpose of the automated email is to confirm that your GRAIL account has been set up and to provide you with a computer generated user password. When you next log on to the GRAIL system you will receive a prompt to change your user password. If, once registered, you have not received a confirmation email from the GRAIL system (this should be immediate) we would be grateful if, in the first instance, you could contact your internal IT sections to check whether or not it is being held by them before contacting the GRAIL helpline (grail@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk).
Q2: The GRAIL generated password was sent to my email account very quickly but is difficult to reproduce when entering it on the GRAIL system. Is there an easier way to replicate the password without having to write it down and re-type it into GRAIL?
A2: The password contained in the automated email, which is long and complicated, can be "copied and pasted" into GRAIL. Once you have done this you will then be asked to choose a new (personal/memorable) password.
Q3: The pop up message about “secure and non-secure data” is annoying, especially when you are navigating back to a page where you have just come from. Can this message be turned off?
A3: This pop up message only appears when searching the import conditions section. Our IT colleagues are looking into this issue and we hope to have the matter resolved shortly.
Q4: When searching for guidance/legislation, it would be of help if there was a direct link to the guidance/legislation even if contained in another site.
A4: Links to all guidance notes/legislation are always provided and can be found under the relevant “attachments” window. Simply “click” on the (blue) link to access/view the relevant documentation.
Q5: In the “Contacts” section, can I establish which local authority has responsibility for a certain air/sea port?
A5: Yes. Simply type the name of the required port (air or sea) into the “location/port” box under the “normal search” tab and press “search” e.g. if you enter “Gatwick” a link will be made to Crawley Borough Council (the authority for Gatwick Airport).
Q6: Who should I contact should I have any comments, feedback, questions etc relating to GRAIL V2?
A6: All correspondence should, in the first instance, be emailed to the dedicated GRAIL email box grail@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk.
Q7: Are any aspects of the system relevant to inland authorities?
A7: Yes. However, the “import conditions” section includes details of specific enforcement requirements for certain products at point of entry. Whilst inland LAs would not be required to fulfil these enforcement requirements the section should be used by all authorities as a means of reference to establish which products require heightened vigilance when undertaking food law enforcement at premises within your authority’s jurisdiction.
Q8: Will there be a workshop/training to make sure we are getting the most from the system?
A8: No. The data query system has a comprehensive “Help” and an “online training” facility. If the user is unable to find the answer to their query via either one of these options they can email us at grail@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Page published:
1 April, 2008