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

Question 1

What does Reg. 2017/625 stand regarding Framework for official controls?

Answer 1

REGULATION 2017/625 on OFFICIAL CONTROLS.

The White Paper on Food Safety (2000) identified the need to establish new wide farmwork for OC of food at both national and EU level. The new EU farmwork as reviewed in 2002. It states: current food law covers all stages of the food production chain and controls/monitoring takes place throughout the whole food production form farm to fork, stable to table.

Question 2

What does Reg. 2017/625 stand regarding Subject matter and scope?

Answer 2

• REGULATION 2017/625 on official control and other official activities preformed to ensure application of food and feed law.
  The regulation lay down rules for the performance of official control along the agri-food chain.
• The scope of the new regulation is extended and cover
  1. official controls to verify compliance with food and feed law
  2. animal health and welfare
  3. plant health
  4. animal by-products.

Question 3

What is the role of the official veterinarian in the food chain?

Answer 3

• Play an important role in provision and assurance of safety to foods of animal origin, from healthy animals managed in a way that does not compromise their welfare, to the consumer
• They carry out audits (check if facilities follow regulations) and inspections of SH, GHE and cutting plants

Question 4

What are audits the OV carry out at SH/GMO and cutting plants

Answer 4

OV audits hygiene practices
- verifies compliance, identification marks
- checks FBO records
- reviews lab tests.

They assess HACCP procedures to ensure meat safety (no residues, comply with microbiological criteria, contaminants etc.)
Based on audit results:
- they inspect food chain data
- conduct ante-mortem and post-mortem checks
- monitor animal welfare, and oversee byproduct handling.

After inspections:
- they take necessary actions, including reporting findings and making decisions on meat and animal welfare.

Question 5

What does the regulation lay down rules for?

Answer 5

• finance
• information system online to manage official controls
• import conditions form 3rd countries
• OC by the commission in the member state