Brussels, 15/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - New measures are to be introduced in the European Union to boost safety and hygiene standards for beansprout production and aim to prevent incidents like the e.coli outbreak of 2011 (the 0104 strain of e.coli in Germany). On Monday 15 October, experts on the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health endorsed a package of measures proposed by the Commission.
The EU27 have agreed on application of the following: approval by member states of all sprouts producing plants after competent authorities check compliance with EU hygiene rules; tightening traceability requirements for seeds intended for sprouts and sprout production; testing for the absence of pathogenic e.coli in sprouts on the market for each batch of seeds intended for sprouting as well as certifying compliance with EU rules at import of sprouts or seeds intended for sprouting.
The package follows on an opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on risks linked to sprouts production as well as the results of a comprehensive consultation procedure involving sprouts producers and national competent authorities. Exporting non-EU countries were informed through the World Trade Organisation under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement. During the e.coli crisis of last year, emergency measures were taken blocking the import of seeds for sprouting coming from Egypt which immediately stopped possible exposure and risk to human beings (see EUROPE 10497). (AN/transl.fl)