Italy has a "globally satisfactory" system for the control of fishery products of tuna species, according to a report by the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) published on 31 July.
The objective of this audit was to assess the functioning of the Italian system for the control of tuna products and to verify whether it complies with EU requirements on food hygiene, additives and labelling.
EU experts conclude that the Italian authorities have developed an official control system supported by documented procedures covering the entire production chain of fishery products, which include specific features covering fishery products from tuna species. "In general, it is implemented in accordance with the documented procedures and can be considered globally satisfactory in spite of the shortcomings observed", the FVO report states.
The problems identified concern histamine testing procedures and the plans (considered in some respects deficient) for compliance with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), i. e. the risk analysis relating to the raw materials used in the production process.
The report addresses recommendations to the competent authorities aimed at rectifying identified shortcomings and enhancing the control system in place. Italy imported 114,724 tonnes of tuna. To read the report: https://bit.ly/312IsqS (Lionel Changeur)