Cyprus' official control system for fisheries products does not meet EU requirements, concludes a report by the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) published on 23 October.
The audit revealed that the "effectiveness" of the Cypriot official control system is "undermined" by gaps in the approval procedures, in the way controls are organised and in the coordination between the services concerned, according to the FVO. EU experts also criticise the lack of a competent authority.
Investigators are also concerned about the lack of official controls to verify the presence of histamine and additives in fishery products, as well as problems with product labelling and shelf life studies.
“Overall, the organisation and operation of the official control system as observed is deficient in a number of areas” and therefore does not allow for “adequate and effective enforcement” of all relevant European Union requirements, conclude EU veterinary experts.
To consult the FVO report: http://bit.ly/2MTJaTh (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)