Microbiological Self-Checks in Small Businesses – Application of the Requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 on Microbiological Criteria in Foodstuffs in Small Businesses

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Mar 6, 2020 - Microbiology

Microbiological Self-Checks in Small Businesses – Application of the Requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 on Microbiological Criteria in Foodstuffs in Small Businesses

According to Art. 4(1) of Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005, food business operators are required to conduct self-monitoring to verify compliance with microbiological criteria.

However, exceptions are possible. This applies, for example, to small businesses where the implementation of such self-monitoring/examinations is not appropriate. The report lists the cases and examples where the AFFL (The Working Group "Meat and Poultry Meat Hygiene and Subject-Specific Issues of Foods of Animal Origin") has assessed the implementation of microbiological self-monitoring in small businesses as inappropriate.

Furthermore, a decision tree has been developed for better clarity. Whenever EU-notified guidelines with microbiological self-monitoring exist, such as for ice cream, minced meat, etc., these take precedence over this AFFL decision-making aid. The resolutions of the AFFL are recommendations made available to the country's authorities for application.

For questions about microbiological self-monitoring of food, water, and the environment, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.

Source:
Circular L-112/2020, www.lebensmittelverband.de
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