Brussels, 10/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - In 2009, the number of Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications reached a total of nearly 8000, a 12% increase compared to 2008 and an all-time-high number. The record number was established because RASFF members (EU member states, the Commission, EFSA, the EFTA Sureillance Authority, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland) sent more follow-up notifications, also for less urgent problems, the Commission said on Friday 10 September. There were 557 alert notifications of serious risks found in products on the market, a small increase compared to 2008. The number of information notifications, sent when a risk has been identified but immediate action by other member states is not necessary, was 1,191. There were 1,456 border rejection notifications. These relate to products that were refused entry into the EU and were directed towards another destination or destroyed. In view of the high number of such notifications, the Commission improved the information it provides to third countries through its new RASFF Window platform. In 2009, more than 60 countries that are not members of RASFF consulted RASFF Window which allows countries to download RASFF notifications. This is only the beginning: the Commission is continuing its efforts to support these countries in setting up their own alert systems, through the Better Training for Safer Food programme. (O.L./transl.rt)