Imports - OVS Note 08/49
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
Application of Annex II of commission decision 2007/275/EC - Meat extracts & meat concentrates
This letter is addressed to Border Inspection Posts and Chief Port Health Officers in England only.
As you will be aware Annex II of Commission Decision 2007/275/EC lists foodstuffs which are not subject to veterinary checks under Directive 97/78/EC. Included in the list are meat extracts and meat concentrates. We are aware that there has been some confusion between the two and, with agreement from Defra in relation to the application of Decision 2007/275/EC, I am writing to clarify our position. FSA views of these products are that:
- “Meat extracts” are derived from animals, including fish, but not containing any pieces of meat, muscle tissue or fibres. Extracts may be in liquid or spreadable form and may be a combination of meat and vegetable products e.g. beef or chicken and yeast extract.
- “Meat concentrate” is a product usually derived from a meat extract which has been dehydrated. Examples of these kinds of products could be stock cubes, gravy granules, flavouring sachets for dehydrated cup noodle-type products.
Our view is that dried fish, or dried meat such as biltong or jerky would not be classified as “meat concentrates” for the purposes of Decision 2007/275/EC and these types of products should be subject to veterinary checks under Directive 97/78/EC. Also products containing meat or pieces of meat are not affected by this guidance and would be subject to veterinary checks under Directive 97/78/EC.
Products considered to be exempt from veterinary checks because they fall within the list in Annex II of Decision 2007/275/EC are still subject to general food law (Regulation (EC) 178/2002) and official controls of these products should be carried out in accordance with Articles 15 to 24 of the Official Feed and Food Control Regulations (Regulation (EC) 882/2004).
Where an enforcement officer needs further guidance on any individual product please contact the Imported Food Branch in the first instance and we will be happy to assist on a case-by-case basis where there may be some uncertainty. Our Helpline number is 020 7276 8018 or you can email us at imported.food@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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:
18 July, 2008