Imports - OVS Note 08/40
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.uk
Imports of fishery products from Eritrea
This letter is addressed to Border Inspection Posts in England only.
I am writing to let you know that at the 18 June meeting of the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH), fishery products from Eritrea were discussed. The purpose of this letter is to alert BIPs to the outcome of these discussions and to advise on physical checks.
As you will be aware the UK has a bilateral agreement with Eritrea for fishery products. In February/March 2008 the Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) mission to Eritrea found a complete failure of control systems for both listing and inspection. Following the 18 June SCoFCAH meeting Eritrea has, we understand, suspended 2 establishments but I am unable at this time to confirm whether these establishments are the 2 listed on the Agency’s website under the bilateral agreement. Once we receive full confirmation we will write again.
Therefore, with immediate effect, BIPs are requested to undertake 100% physical checks on consignments of fishery products from Eritrea. Samples should be taken and submitted for analysis and /or examination for an appropriate range of parameters which, dependant on your assessment of risks presented by the product, may include: histamine, heavy metals, pathogens and veterinary drugs. This list is not exhaustive.
The advice contained in this letter should not be taken as an authoritative statement of the law or its interpretation. Only the courts can decide whether in particular circumstances an offence has been committed.
I hope that this is helpful but if you need any further information please let me know. The Agency’s imports section on our website can be found at http://www.food.gov.uk/imports
Local Authorities may also register for the Agency’s on-line Guidance and Regulatory Advice on Import Legislation system (GRAIL) by following this link: https://grail.foodapps.co.uk/grail/general/home.aspx
Ian Grist
Imported Food Branch
Enforcement Support Division
Page published:
26 June, 2008