29/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 28 July, the European Commission adopted a report on the “experience gained” between 2006 and 2008 from the application of the regulations of 29 April 2004 on food hygiene. The report concludes that, overall, member states have taken the necessary administrative and control steps to ensure compliance, but there is still room for improvement in relation to implementation. Member states and the private sector asked for the requirement for HACCP-based (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) procedures not to be extended to “food business operators carrying out primary production” at present. The report does not propose any detailed options. However, on the basis of the difficulties identified (approval of establishments, food marking, import system, HACCP procedures, etc), the Commission says that it will consider the need for any proposals to improve the food hygiene package. (A.N./transl.rt)