EU Issues New Regulations on Sprouts and Seeds

April 16, 2013 - PRLog -- ‘Sprouts’ are obtained from the germination of seeds, developed in water or another medium, harvested before the development of true leaves and are intended to be eaten whole, including the seed.

Following the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in May 2011 in the European Union, consumption of sprouts was identified as the most likely origin of the outbreak. (1)  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concludes that contamination of dry seeds with bacterial pathogens is the most likely initial source of the sprout-associated outbreaks and bacterial pathogens present on dry seeds can multiply during sprouting. The related legislation is defined in Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 (2) and is amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 209/2013 (3) which considers the existing microbiological criteria, sampling plan, analytical reference and limits for micro-organisms for sprouted seeds including Salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria such as the six STEC serogroups (namely O157, O26, O103, O111, O145 and O104:H4). Sampling and testing rules for poultry carcases, fresh poultry meat and sprouts have also been added.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 208/2013 (4) lays down rules on the traceability of batches of sprouts and seeds intended for the production of sprouts at all stages of processing, production and distribution. The regulation requires that an accurate description of the seeds or sprouts, the volume or quantity and the name and address of the food business operator are kept on record to ensure the protection of public health in the European Union. The records shall be updated on a daily basis and kept available to transmit to the food business operator to whom the seeds or sprouts are supplied to and the competent authority upon request without undue delay.

In addition, the consignments of sprouts or seeds intended for the production of sprouts imported into the European Union and originating in/or dispatched from third countries shall be accompanied by a certificate in accordance with the model set out in the Annex in Regulation (EU) No 211/2013 (5), to demonstrate the sprouts or seeds were produced under conditions which comply with the general hygiene provisions in Part A of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 (6) and the traceability requirements laid down in Implementing Regulation (EU) No 208/2013.

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