March 2011
Irish legislation
EU Legislation
EU reports
- EU auditors report on veterinary checks for meat imports
EU Notice
- Membership of the Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee
European Communities (Extraction Solvents used in the Production of Foodstuffs and Food Ingredients) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 129 of 2011)
Summary: These Regulations give further effect to Directive 2009/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009, as amended by Commission Directive 2010/59/EU of 26 August 2010. Directive 2010/59/EU authorised the use of dimethyl ether as an extraction solvent to remove fat from animal protein raw materials under the condition of a maximum residual limit of dimethyl ether of 9 μg/kg in the defatted protein product. It also sets out specific limits in foodstuffs for methanol and propan-2-ol resulting from their use for the preparation of flavourings from natural flavouring materials.
European Communities (Purity Criteria on Food Additives other than colours and sweeteners) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 128 of 2011)
Summary: This S.I. transposes Commission Directive 2010/67/EU of 20 October 2010 amending Directive 2008/84/EC laying down specific purity criteria on food additives other than colours and sweeteners. Directive 2010/67/EU amends Annex 1 to Directive 2008/84/EC by revising the specific purity criteria for a number of existing additives and by the addition of specific purity criteria for new additives recently approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The new additives are E 392 extracts of rosemary, E 427 cassia gum, E 961 neotame (as a flavour enhancer), E 1203 polyvinyl alcohol, E 1521 polyethylene glycol. It gives further legal effect to Directive 2008/84/EC in relation to fines and recovery of costs where there is a conviction. The fines are revised to take account of the Fines Act 2010 (Number 8 of 2010) and the fine is a Class A fine which means a fine not exceeding €5,000. It also introduces a provision for the recovery of costs and expenses where a food business operator is convicted, in line with E.U. food law and DoHC policy
European Communities (Additives, Colours and Sweeteners in Foodstuffs)( Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 130 of 2011)
Summary: These regulations amend the European Communities (Additives, Colours and Sweeteners in Foodstuffs) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 437 of 2000). The S.I. transposes Commission Directive 2011/3/EU which amends the specific purity criteria on colours for use in foodstuffs with regard to lycopene. This Directive amends Annex 1 to Directive 2008/128/EC by replacing the specifications for Lycopene in line with the European Food Safety Authority’s 2008 scientific opinion on its safe use.
European Communities (Official Controls on the import of food of non-animal origin) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 131 of 2011)
Summary: These Regulations implement Commission Regulation (EU) No. 187/2011 which replaces the Annex I (the list) to EC Regulation 669/2009 to provide an up to date list of foods which, due to a known or emerging risk, are to be the subject of increased levels of official controls at the point of entry into Member States of the EU.
European Communities ( Plastics and other materials)(Contact with foodstuffs) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 105 of 2011)
Summary: This SI gives gives effect to Council Directive No. 2011/8/EU insofar as it restricts the manufacture of polycarbonate infant feeding bottles. It also revokes the European Communities (Plastics and other materials) (Contact with food) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 301 of 2010)
Commission Regulation (EU) No 208/2011 (OJ L58, p29, 03/03/2011) of 2 March 2011 amending Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 180/2008 and (EC) No 737/2008 as regards lists and names of EU reference laboratories
Summary: This Regulation updates the list of EU reference laboratories set out in Regulations (EC) No 882/2004, (EC) No 180/2008 and No 737/2008
Commission Regulation (EU) No 234/2011 (OJ L64, p15, 11/03/2011) of 10 March 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings
Summary: This Regulation sets out the requirements for the content, drafting and presentation of an application for the authorisation of a food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings and the general provisions on data required for risk assessment. The Regulation will apply from the 11th September 2011.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 297/2011 (OJ L80, p5, 26/03/2011) of 25 March 2011 imposing special conditions governing the import of feed and food originating in or consigned from Japan following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station
Summary: This Regulation was introduced following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station on 11 March 2011. It applies to feedstuffs and foodstuffs within the meaning of Article 1 (2) of Regulation 3954/87 originating in or consigned from Japan, with the exclusion of products which left Japan before 28 March 2011 and of products which have been harvested and/or processed before 11 March 2011.
Commission Regulation (EU) No 284/2011 (OJ L77, p25, 23/03/2011) of 22 March 2011 laying down specific conditions and detailed procedures for the import of polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
Summary: This Regulation lays down specific conditions and detailed procedures for the import of polyamide and of melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. ‘Plastic kitchenware’ is defined in the Regulation as meaning plastic materials as described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 1 of Directive 2002/72/EC and falling within CN code ex 3924 10 00;
Commission Decision 2011/163/EU (OJ L70, p40, 17/03/2011) of 16 March 2011 on the approval of plans submitted by third countries in accordance with Article 29 of Council Directive 96/23/EC
Summary: This Decision updates the list of third countries from which Member States are authorised to import certain animals and animal products, as provided for in Directive 96/23/EC. It repeals Decision 2004/432/EC and will apply from the 15th March 2011.
Corrigendum (OJ L63, p28, 10/03/2011) to Commission Regulation (EU) No 144/2011 of 17 February 2011 amending Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 laying down lists of third countries, territories or parts thereof authorised for the introduction into the European Union of certain animals and fresh meat and the veterinary certification requirements ( OJ L 44, 18.2.2011)
Summary: This Corrigendum corrects the text on page 11, Model BOV-X, point II.1.3 in Regulation (EU) No. 144/2011 in the manner specified.
Commission Implementing Decision 2011/198/EU (OJ L L85, p10, 31/03/2011) of 30 March 2011 amending Decision 2011/44/EU concerning certain protection measures against foot-and-mouth disease in Bulgaria
Summary: This Decision prolong the measures laid down in Decision 2011/44/EU with regard to live animals and the meats of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species and other biungulates coming from or obtained from animals originating in the areas listed in Annex I to that Decision until 30 June 2011.
Notice 2011/C 77/09 (OJ C77, p14, 11/03/2011) List of approved facilities for the treatment of foods and food ingredients with ionising radiation in the Member States (According to Article 7(4) of Directive 1999/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation) (This text cancels and replaces the text published in the OJ C 187, 7.8.2003, p. 13)
Summary: This notice lists those facilities in Member States which are approved for the treatment of foods and food ingredients with ionising radiation . This text cancels and replaces the text published in the Official Journal of the European Union C 187 of 7 August 2003, p. 13.
Notice 2011/C 97/01 (OJ C97, p1, 29March 2011) List of natural mineral waters recognised by Member States
Summary: In accordance with Article 1 of Directive 2009/54/EC on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters , this Notice lists the natural mineral waters recognised as such by the Member States.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 321/2011 (OJ L87, p1, 02/04/2011) of 1 April 2011 amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 as regards the restriction of use of Bisphenol A in plastic infant feeding bottles
Summary: This Regulation amends Table 1 of Annex 1 to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 by prohibiting the use of Bisphenol A ( 2.2-bis(4- hydroxyphenyl)propane) for the manufacture of polycarbonate infant feeding bottles. This restriction is applicable from 1 May 2011 as regards the manufacture and from 1 June 2011 as regards the placing on the market and importation into the European Union.
Commission Regulation (EU) No 215/2011 (OJ L59, p15, 01/03/2011) of 1 March 2011 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Pecorino Sardo (PDO)]
Summary: This Regulation approves Italy’s application to amend the specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Pecorino Sardo’ registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1263/96
Commission Regulation (EU) No 216/2011 (OJ L59, p17, 04/03/2011) of 1 March 2011 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Chianti Classico (PDO)]
Summary: This Regulation approves Italy's application to make amendments to the specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Chianti Classico’ registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2400/96 as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2446/2000
Commission Regulation (EU) No 217/2011 (OJ L 59, p19, 04/03/2011) of 1 March 2011 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Robiola di Roccaverano (PDO)]
Summary: This Regulation approves Italy’s application to amend the specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Robiola di Roccaverano’ registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96 as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1263/96
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 237/2011 (OJ L 66, p7, 12/03/2011) of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Mostviertler Birnmost (PGI))
Summary: This Regulation approves Austria's application to register the name ‘Mostviertler Birnmost’ in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 238/2011 (OJ L66, p9, 12/03/2011) of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Zázrivský korbáčik (PGI))
Summary: This Regulation approves Slovakia’s application to register the name ‘Zázrivský korbáčik’in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 239/2011 (OJ L 66, p11, 12/03/2011) of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Tekovský salámový syr (PGI))
Summary: This Regulation approves Slovakia’s application to register the name ‘Tekovský salámový syr’in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 240/2011 (OJ L 66, p13, 12/03/2011)of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Fagioli Bianchi di Rotonda (PDO))
Summary: This Regulation approves Italy’s application to register the name ‘Fagioli Bianchi di Rotonda’in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 241/2011 (OJ L66, p15, 12/03/2011) of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi (PDO))
Summary: This Regulation approves Italy’s application to register the name ‘Miele delle Dolomiti’ in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 242/2011 (OJ L 66, p1, 12/03/2011) of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Chleb prądnicki (PGI))
Summary: This Regulation approves Poland’s application to register the name ‘Chleb prądnicki’ in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 243/2011 (OJ L66, p19, 12/03/2011) of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Oravský korbáčik (PGI))
Summary: This Regulation approves Slovakia's application to register the name ‘Oravský korbáčik’in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 244/2011 (OJ L66, p21, 12/03/2011) of 11 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Pera de Lleida (PDO))
Summary: This Regulation approves Spain’s application to register the name ‘Pera de Lleida’ in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 273/2011 (OJ L76, p36, 22/03/2011)of 21 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Bayerisches Rindfleisch/Rindfleisch aus Bayern (PGI))
Summary: This Regulation approves Germany’s application to register the name ‘Bayerisches Rindfleisch/Rindfleisch aus Bayern’ in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 274/2011 (OJ L 76, p38, 22/03/2011) of 21 March 2011 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Traditional Cumberland Sausage (PGI))
Summary: This Regulation approves the United Kingdom’s application to register the name ‘Traditional Cumberland Sausage’ in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications
EU auditors report on veterinary checks for meat imports
Special Report No. 14/2010: The Commission’s management of the system of veterinary checks for meat imports following the 2004 hygiene legislation reforms.
Summary: This report by the European Court of Auditors’ examines the EU Commission’s supervision of the EU system of veterinary checks carried out at border inspection posts (BIPs) for meat imports. The authorities and BIPs of four Member States were visited (France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Romania). Also, Court auditors participated in the Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspection visits carried out in three Member States (Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and Greece). On the basis of its observations, the Court makes recommendations which it states could help increase the effectiveness of the system of veterinary checks for meat imports.
Membership of the Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee
Notice 2011/C 99/03 ( OJ C99, p9, 31/03/2011): Call for expressions of interest for scientific experts to be considered for membership of the Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (Parma, Italy)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a call to renew the membership and create reserve lists for its Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee. For the three-year period from mid-2012 to mid-2015, membership is being renewed and reserve lists created for the following:
• Scientific Committee (SC)
• Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW)
• Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ)
• Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM)
• Panel on Feed Additives and Products or Substances Used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)
• Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
• Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA)
• Panel on Plant Health (PLH)
• Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues (PPR)
The closing date for applications is 31 May 2011.
Last reviewed: 1/6/2011