The European Commission recently introduced laws to simplify food safety across the EU. These laws apply throughout the entire food chain including primary producers such as fishermen who will now be classed as “food handlersâ€. As a result the entire food supply chain from fishermen through to fish processors and retailers will have to be aware of the impact these laws have - so Seafish has produced a document entitled ‘Guide to Recent Developments in European Food Law for the Seafood Industry’.
The document aims to introduce the new legislation and detail the effects on the seafood industry. Some businesses may not be affected at all by the new regulations - while others will have to make changes to current practice to ensure compliance.
The regulations in question are:
Regulation 178/2002
Regulation 852/2004
Regulation 853/2004
The first Regulation (178/2002) is broadly similar to the Food Safety Act 1990. The implications of this Regulation are that there are new hygiene and traceability protocols to be observed.
The second Regulation (852/2004) covers all food businesses including “primary production†- this applies to fishermen and requires businesses to have practices that identify and control any risks to food safety within their business.
The third Regulation (853/2004) applies in addition to 852/2004 and covers establishments that are perceived to be at greater risk of contamination.
Fiona Wright, Food Standards Officer, Seafish, said: “Some businesses will not have to make any changes to the way they operate to comply with the new legislation. Others may find new management practices may need to be introducedâ€.