Raw milk

Limits for plate counts at 30 ^oC and somatic cell counts in raw milk are set by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.

Water

The basic standards governing the quality of drinking water intended for human consumption are set out in Directive (EU) 2020/2184. This Directive sets limits for various microbiological parameters in drinking water including that offered for sale in bottles or containers.

Microbiological limits specific to natural mineral water are set by Directive 2009/54/EC on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters.

Imports of Food of Non-animal Origin

The EU considers imports of certain foods of non-animal origin from certain Third countries as ‘high risk’ because of a known or emerging risk, usually due to chemical or microbiological contamination. These high risk foods are subject to an increased level of official controls, including laboratory analysis, at the point of entry into the EU.

Find out what foods are affected and what you need to do

Live Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 sets legal limits for Salmonella and E. coli in live bivalve molluscs placed on the market.