The European Commission has updated the regulation on news to be displayed in special posters, on all points of entry into the EU. To draw the attention of travelers from third countries to the risks associated with food souvenirs of animal origin brought into Europe. What risks?
Souvenir
and ecommerce, food of animal origin. EU rules
The introduction of food of animal origin into the EU., or other products containing them, is subject to precise restrictions. Which also apply to ecommerce scenarios, small consignments aimed at consumers, as well as personal stocks in travelers’ luggage. (1)
Member states must ensure that at all points of entry into the Union, the attention of travelers coming from non-EU countries is drawn to the animal health rules applicable to personal escorts of food of animal origin contained in luggage.
The news to be provided to travelers and the general public, by means of clearly visible signs, must contain at least the information in one of the posters that the European Commission has just updated. (2)
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Non-EU foods of animal origin, what risks
Importing food of animal origin from outside the EU ‘on the side’ poses serious risks, even when it is in minute quantities. Thus, the restrictions imposed respond to imperative needs to protect food safety and homegrown food supply chains.
Fabrizio de Stefani, director of the Veterinary Service. Food Hygiene of AULSS no. 7 Pedemontana, explains what risks may arise from the introduction of food of animal origin into Italy outside the surveillance regime guaranteed by official public controls.
‘African swine fever, brucellosis, tuberculosis and foot-and-mouth disease are the most dangerous human/animal diseases‘, Fabrizio De Stefani explains. ‘Then there are all those that cause food toxins.‘, such as listeria, salmonella, E.Coli, trichinosis (in cured meats, in particular).
Transboundary animal diseases are the subject of continuous monitoring – by member state health authorities, under the coordination of the European Commission and its ‘Food & Veterinary Office‘ (FVO) – and scientific evaluation by EFSA (‘European Food Safety Authority‘).
The risks of contamination, beyond foodborne toxins, may extend to the national food supply chain. The most serious danger is African swine fever. (3) The introduction of pork or wild boar meat, fresh and processed, should therefore be avoided at all costs.
Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) See reg. EC 206/09
(2) See reg. UE 2018/1729, ‘Amending Regulation (EC) No. 206/2009 regarding information to be provided in posters addressed to travelers and the general public regarding certain personal stockpiles of animal products‘, effective 6.12.18
(3) African swine fever is a viral disease of wild pigs and wild boars, with generally lethal effects. This disease, which still lacks vaccines and treatment, can have very serious consequences in countries where it spreads. With catastrophic outcomes on the affected supply chains (livestock farms and processing industries)
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.