NewReportingObligationsPlannedUnderZoonosesRegulation

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May 23, 2020 - Foods

NewReportingObligationsPlannedUnderZoonosesRegulation

According to the Zoonoses Regulation, there has been a reporting obligation for food business operators for many years, in case zoonotic agents such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, STEC/VTEC are detected during food examinations.

In the draft of a Fourth Regulation to amend provisions for the implementation of community hygiene law, the Zoonoses Regulation is to be supplemented with the following points in particular:

• reports to the authorities should be made "immediately upon knowledge"
• the reporting obligation should be extended beyond food to include
  • from product remnants of food or smear water in cheese production during the manufacturing and processing of ready-to-eat foods for Listeria monocytogenes,
  • environmental investigations such as work surfaces, piping systems, or transport containers that can come into contact with ready-to-eat foods and may promote the growth of Listeria monocytogenes

Additionally, a new offense subject to a fine is introduced in § 4 of the Zoonoses Regulation, whereby a failure, late, and/or incorrect report to the competent authorities shall in future be punishable by a fine of up to €50,000.

Even though most environmental investigations of Listeria monocytogenes do NOT occur at product-contacting locations, e.g., investigations of gullies, refrigeration units, the reporting obligations under the Zoonoses Regulation will become increasingly relevant due to these new regulations.

In our laboratory, we regularly conduct these investigations. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

Source:
www.kwg.eu
www.cibus-recht.de
www.lebensmittelverband.de