11am, 20th May 2021
Virtual Meeting
Attendees
- Clodagh Crehan FSAI
- Alison Connor FSAI
- Anne Marie Boland FSAI
- Lisa O’Connor FSAI
- Sinéad Murphy FSAI
- Karl McDonald FSAI
- Oonagh Lyons FSAI
- Nuala Collins FSAI
- Olya Antropova FSAI
- Clare O’Donovan FSAI
- Carol Heavey FSAI
- Gail Carroll FSAI
- Elaine Clohosey BWG
- Jenni O’Brien Avoca
- Aoife Noonan Lidl
- Katie Creamer Aldi
- Antoinette Kennedy Aldi Rep
- Lucy O’Connor Musgraves SuperValu/Centra
- Stephen Browne Retail Ireland
- Neil Spreadbury Iceland
- Tracey McDermott Tesco
- Clare Briody Tesco
- Joanne Barry Barrys
Apologies
- Sharon Murphy Barrys
- Ben McGinn Gala
At the outset of the meeting the Group wished Dorothy Guina-Dornan, FSAI chair of the Retail Forum well in her retirement and thanked her for her valuable contribution over the years.
1. Reformulation
Olya introduced herself and provided an outline of the ‘Best – ReMaP EU Project’ on reformulation. The EU is monitoring reformulation and are requesting voluntary contributions from the EU Retailers.
Action: FSAI will send an invitation to a special meeting in June/July where it will provide more information.
Action: FSAI will share the slides on the reformulation presentation.
Action: FSAI to provide an update on salt reformulation and other projects at a future meeting.
2. Agree Draft Minutes of the Meeting 13th October 2020.
The Draft minutes 13th October 2020 were approved. These will be uploaded onto the FSAI website.
3. Matters Arising
It was noted there is no definition of sourdough.
4. Bamboo
Karl McDonald gave a presentation on bamboo and reminded the Group at plastics/food contact materials containing bamboo are illegal. To date there has not been any risk assessment carried out by EFSA. The FAQ’s are on the FSAI website and if there are any updates in the future FSAI will update the group. The EU Commission is considering contacting Revenue regarding the collection of tax on these plastics.
5. Antimicrobial Resistance
The Irish national action plan (iNAP) on antimicrobial resistance is being renewed. On the animal/food side, 32 projects have been identified. Once iNAP2 is published it will be presented to this Forum.
Members or their colleagues may be interested in this Teagasc webinar on Antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance in farm animals on Wednesday, 9th June at 9.30am
6. Revision of the EU Guidance on Food Safety Management Systems
Since publication of the European Commission Notice (C278) on FSMS in 2016, a number of relevant revisions have taken place:
- Legal:
- the introduction of allergen control and food safety culture and food redistribution (Regulation (EU) 2021/382)
- International standards:
- ISO 22000
- Codex Alimentarius General principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969)
- Codex Alimentarius Code of Practice on Food Allergen Management for Food Business Operators (CXC 80-2020).
- EFSA scientific opinions:
- Hazard analysis approaches for certain small retail establishments in view of the application of their food safety management systems
- Hazard analysis approaches for certain small retail establishments and food donations: second scientific opinion
- A public consultation is planned for later this year and completion expected by end year/early 2022.
7. Animal Health Regulations (composite products)
FSAI reported a change to the regulations took place on the 21st April. This is a change to the risk rather than the percentage ingredient and appears to be causing challenges for Dublin Port. The eLearning modules have been updated.
8. Flour
The FSAI Public Health Nutrition has sought further clarification from the EU Commission regarding flour being compliant and the final product meeting the fortification rules. FSAI will update the group when we have further information from the EU Commission.
The FAQ on organic foods is incorrect and is being revised. FSAI asked the group if there is any particular topic they want covered to contact brexit@fsai.ie
9. Date for next meeting
The next meeting will take place on the 21st October 2021.
10. AOB
Titanium oxide
A special meeting on Titanium oxide E171 took place in the EU Commission. There was some discussion surrounding a possibility of a transitional period and whether suppliers should take action now to remove stock.
Action: FSAI will discuss with Chemical Safety Team and provide clarification.
Organic labelling
A discussion took place regarding the sale product on sale in both the EU and the UK and what statements are need on the label.
Action: FSAI will draft a note on this topic.