Contaminants monitoring programme for wild caught fish, crustaceans and cephalopods

On 15 January 2022 a new format of Export Health Certificate comes into force for products of animal origin (POAO) including fishery products for export to the European Union and Northern Ireland. Included in the list of requirements for which the Certifying Officer attributed to the exporting product is: Section II.1.J which states "The fishery products ... have been produced under conditions guaranteeing compliance with the maximum levels for contaminants laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006." Food Business Operators are already required to ensure that all food placed on the market complies with maximum levels for contaminants lists in 1881/2006, so there is no change in the standards required. However, to supplement the responsibilities of food businesses, and provide confidence to certifying officers in signing these certificates the FSA are proposing to begin a sampling programme for contaminants in wild caught fishery products landed in England and Wales. Similar, but separately run programmes, will be conducted in Scotland and Northern Ireland.