EU update list of imports of plant origin subject to reinforced border checks 15.09.2014

Controls performed at European Union borders on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 669/2009 continue to deliver results and, as a consequence, the EU is removing some products from the list of feed and food of non-animal origin that are subject to an increased level of official controls by national competent authorities at the border. As a result of the satisfactory results reported by Member States, frozen strawberries and pomelos from China will be de-listed from the Regulation’s Annex I. This means that these products will no longer be subject to the reinforced scheme (the checks performed by competent authorities will again be ‘routine’ ones).

Concerning new listings, the following commodities will be added to the list of feed and food which are subject to reinforced border checks: aubergines, Chinese celery and yardlong beans (food) originating from Cambodia at a control frequency of physical and identity checks of 50% due to the possible occurrence of pesticide residues; sesamum seeds (food) originating from India at a control frequency of 20% due to their possible contamination with Salmonella; and dragon fruit (food) from Viet Nam at a control frequency of 20% due to the possible occurrence of pesticide residues.

At the meeting of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed on 12 September 2014, Member States endorsed the Commission’s proposal to amend Annex I to the Regulation by reflecting the abovementioned changes.

The amendments are expected to enter into force as of 1 October 2014.

(Source: DG Sanco website)