This report describes the outcome of an audit carried out by the Food and Veterinary Office in the United Kingdom, from 3 to 13 March 2015. The objective of the current audit was to assess the control system in place concerning the production and placing on the market of eggs and egg products destined for human consumption.
The report concludes that the official control system in place meets the main elements of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. It includes regular and risk based controls, covering all stages of production and placing on the market of eggs and egg products. However, there are no guarantees that means of transport used for eggs and egg products are under official control, as no documented evidence of official controls carried out on such vehicles was provided by the central competent authority.
The report concludes also that in the areas where the Local Authorities are responsible for official controls, in particular in liquid egg and egg products establishments, there are weaknesses as regards: approval of establishments, respecting inspection frequency, detection and follow-up of non-compliances during official controls, verification of food business operator compliance with microbiological/analytical criteria, identification marking and labelling of unpasteurised liquid egg.
The official control system is supported by a network of official laboratories which meet EU requirements and can provide guarantees concerning the reliability of results.
Concerning traceability and labelling of eggs (including the method of production i.e. free range/organic) the official controls have ensured compliance with the relevant EU legislation.
The report includes a number of recommendations addressed to the United Kingdom competent authorities, aimed at rectifying the shortcomings identified and enhancing the implementation of the official control system in place.
(Source: FVO website)
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