EU ups border control

The European Union is stepping up border controls on a range of imported foods of non-animal origin to boost food safety

New checks on imported non-animal food stuffs should boost food safety

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The European Union has introduced greater border checks on certain imported foods of non-animal origin, in an effort to boost food safety.

Safety chiefs hope the increased checks will detect the possible presence of potentially harmful substances for human and animal consumption, such as aflatoxins in nuts and pesticides in fruit and vegetables.

The measures contained in Regulation (EC) No. 669/2009, provide a set of common rules for the first time on these official controls.

Documentary, identity and physical checks are included. Brussels recognised that member states will need more cash to cover these increased inspections and authorised them to collect “necessary” fees.

The directive lays out seven minimum requirements that all EC points of entry will need to have – including sufficient staffing levels, storage facilities and unloading equipment. It admitted these could pose difficulties for some countries and allowed a transition period during which these could be implemented incrementally.

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