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10.08.2020 - Foods

Amendment of Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs

The European Commission has presented a draft to supplement the Regulation (EU) No. 852/2004 on general food hygiene.

Proposals for amendments have been developed for the following areas:

1. Allergen Management System

• Equipment, transport vehicles, and containers intended for harvesting, transporting, or storing allergenic products must not be used for food that does not contain the corresponding allergen. Exceptions apply with appropriate cleaning and visual inspection.

2. Distribution of Food to and from Charitable Organizations (e.g., food banks)

• Food must be safe according to Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002
• Food must be distributed before the expiration date
• Food with a best-before date may be distributed even after the printed date has passed
• Food without a best-before date may always be distributed

When distributing food, particular attention should be paid to the following characteristics:

• Packaging must be intact
• Compliance with storage and transport conditions of the food
• If applicable, indication of the freezing date
• Ensuring traceability of animal products
• Consideration of the impeccable sensory properties of the food
• Ensuring an adequate remaining shelf life

3. Uniform Food Safety Culture

• Commitment from company management and all employees to handling food in a manner that ensures its safety
• Involvement of all personnel in all food safety matters
• Raising awareness of food safety and hygiene hazards among all personnel
• Open communication within the company
• Provision of resources to ensure safe and hygienic food
• Responsibilities within the company must be clearly defined
• Ensuring that food controls are carried out in a timely manner
• Documentation must be kept up to date
• Training and supervision of personnel
• Commitment to compliance with legal regulations
• Continuous improvement of food safety concepts
• Ensuring the functionality of the food safety concept when changes occur

The draft documents can be accessed at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12230-Hygiene-rules-on-allergens-food-redistribution-and-food-safety-culture

We will be happy to keep you informed about further developments on this topic in the future. Our customer advisors are available for any questions.

Source: www.kwg.eu