Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2 Border control - consignment released
Notification initiated through a sample taken at a bor-
der post for analysis, but the consignment was not
detained, having been released to the market.
3 Official control on the market
A result obtained as a result of a test performed on a
product on the EU/EEA internal market.
4 Company's own check
A notification initiated through a company notifying
the outcome of an internal control measure to the
competent authority.
5 Consumer complaint
Notification initiated through a consumer lodging a
complaint with the competent authority. Notifications
initiated through reported food poisoning outbreaks
are classified under this category.
products of animal origin. The nature of the hazard
detected, the food/feed category affected and (usually)
the concentration detected are summarised on these
tables. In addition, further information on the origin,
distribution and extend of the threat is listed. In the
main, these are self-explanatory. However, some columns
need further comment.
RASFF notification types
Alert notifications
These are sent when a food or feed (either domestic pro-
duce or imports from third countries) presenting a seri-
ous health risk is on the market and when rapid action is
required. The RASFF member that identifies the prob-
lem and takes the relevant actions (e.g. withdrawal of the
product) triggers the alert. The goal of the notification is
to give all RASFF members the information to confirm
whether the product in question is on their market, so
that they can also take the necessary measures.
Action taken
This represents the action already taken by the notifying
country at the time of notification. If 'no action taken' is
given for an alert notification, this normally indicates
that the product is not on the market of the notifying
country but that it may be on the market of other mem-
ber countries.
Border rejection notifications
These concern food and feed consignments that have
been tested and rejected at the external borders of the
EU (and the European Economic Area (EEA)), when a
health risk has been found. The notifications are sent to
all EEA border posts in order to reinforce controls and to
ensure that the rejected product does not re-enter the
EU through another border post.
Distribution status
This indicates knowledge existing at the time of notifica-
tion about the possible distribution of the product on the
market. This does not necessarily mean that the product
is already on shop and supermarket shelves, available to
consumers, as often it is not.
Information notifications
These are used when a risk has been identified about
food or feed placed on the market, but the other mem-
bers do not have to take rapid action. This is because the
product has not reached their market or is no longer pre-
sent on their market or because the nature of the risk
does not require rapid action.
Actions taken following infringements
If a particular residue problem is identified as a result of
positive results, alert notifications, adverse findings fol-
lowing an inspection by the FVO, etc, the European
Community or individual member states may reinforce
checks at the point of import (article 30 of Council
Directive 96/23/EC (1996) and article 24 of Directive
97/78/EC (1998)). These give member states powers to
intensify action in the event of serious or repeated
infringement of community legislation.
In the case of unauthorised substances, these require
that the Commission is informed of the problem
(RASFF) and that the next 10 batches/consignments
from the same source are impounded and inspected. If
the additional checks confirm non-compliance with
community legislation, the offending consignment may
be returned to the country of origin, or destroyed, at the
discretion of the national competent authority. The
Commission must be informed of the results of the more
stringent checks. All reasonable efforts are made to avoid
RASFF news
This lesser category contains any information related to
the safety of food and feed products which has not been
communicated as an alert or an information notifica-
tion, but which is judged interesting for the control
authorities.
Notification basis
Some information on the status on the point in the feed
and food chain at which the problem was detected is
provided:
1 Border control - consignment detained
Controls at the border posts of the outer EU/EEA bor-
ders when the consignment was detained, pending
testing results.
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