Currentrulingsonhygienerequirements-InBAVNewsletter04/2011

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Jun 14, 2017 - hygiene

Currentrulingsonhygienerequirements-InBAVNewsletter04/2011

With two recent rulings on hygiene requirements for self-service bakeries and catering businesses, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has further clarified the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004.

The decision regarding self-service bakeries concerned the possibly inadequate protection of products in the self-service areas of the shops. The ECJ emphasized that a specific contamination is required for a hygiene violation, theoretical considerations are not sufficient for this. This decision can have far-reaching significance for the interpretation of the so-called "adverse effect" by the authorities.

The second decision concerned hand wash basins in catering businesses. Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 does not necessarily require that hand wash basins must be used exclusively for handwashing. This decision may also have practical implications for small businesses and retail outlets.