60. Framework for official controls. Subject matter and scope. The role of the official veterinarian in food chain.

What should official controls on products of animal origin cover?

All aspects important for protecting public health and, where appropriate, animal health, animal welfare, and plant health

What are official controls?

Activities performed by competent authorities to verify compliance by operators with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and rules in article 1(2)

What should official controls cover according to the EU framework?

All aspects important for protecting public health, and where appropriate animal health & welfare, and plant health

What is the purpose of official controls according to Regulation (EU) 2017/625?

To verify that animals or goods meet requirements, including for the issuance of an official certificate or attestation

What did the White Paper on Food Safety (2000) identify?

The need to establish a new EU-wide framework for official controls of food at both national and EU levels to guarantee a high level of human health and consumer protection

What was reviewed in 2002 in the EU?

The general principles of food law and procedures relating to food safety and control

What is the current food law's coverage in the EU?

All stages of the food production chain;

Controls & monitoring take place throughout the whole food production

What phrase describes the scope of controls and monitoring in EU food law?

From farm to fork or from stable to table

Which regulations make up the EU framework for official controls?

1. Regulation (EC) No 178/2002

2. Regulation (EU) No 2017/625

3. Regulation (EC) No 852/2004

4. Regulation (EC) No 852/2004

5. Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005

6. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/624

7. Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009

8. Regulation (EC) No 999/2001

9. Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005

10. Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009

11. Regulation (EU) No 2016/429

12. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2021/620

13. Directive 2003/99/EC

14. Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003

15. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/1375

16. Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/915

What is Regulation (EU) 2017/625 about?

Official controls and other official activities to ensure the application of food and feed law, animal health and welfare, plant health, and plant protection products

What does Regulation (EU) 2017/625 introduce?

A more harmonized and coherent approach to official controls and enforcement actions along the entire agri-food chain

What is the scope of Regulation (EU) 2017/625?

It now covers official controls to verify compliance with food and feed law, animal health and welfare, plant health, and animal by-products rules

What is the matter covered in Regulation (EU) No 2017/625?

Obtain general and specific knowledge of official controls to ensure verification of compliance with food law and guarantee a high level of human health and consumer protection

What makes veterinarians uniquely equipped to ensure food safety?

Their training in both animal health (including foodborne zoonoses) and food hygiene

Who is an Official Veterinarian (OV)?

A veterinarian appointed by a competent authority, either as staff or otherwise, and appropriately qualified to perform official controls and activities in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625

What audits and inspections is the OV required to carry out?

Audits and inspections of slaughterhouses, game handling facilities, and cutting plants

What must an OV do in regards to fresh meat?

Verify application of health marks.

What must the OV do after carrying out controls?

Take specific action regarding communication of inspection results, FCI decisions, decisions of live animals, decisions of animal welfare, and decisions concerning meat.