Food and Health E-ssentials

EU Commission proposes amending regulations for salmonella testing in poultry products

The Commission of the European Union (EU) has issued a draft regulation that would modify specific testing and sampling methods for salmonella in poultry and poultry products to account for changes reflected in new and updated standards.

Issued in mid-July, the draft regulation specifically calls for the modification of Annexes in four separate food safety regulations in the EU. The regulations, which include Regulations (EU) No 200/2010, (EU) No 517/2011, (EU)  No 200/2012 and (EU) No 1190/2012, detail prescribed sampling and testing requirements that can be used by competent authorities in the monitoring of salmonella in poultry products, as required under Regulation (EC) No 2016/2003.

Specifically, the proposed modifications reflect an update to the reference methods for testing requirements as detailed in EN ISO 16140-2, as well as the introduction of a new standard, EN ISO 6579-1, which addresses the detection of salmonella. Further, the modifications permit the use of these testing methods by not just food business operators but also by competent authorities charged with the responsibility of assessing compliance with the requirements of the standards. 

Comments on the proposed amended regulation on salmonella testing can be submitted through 16 August 2018. To access the text of the amended regulation and the revised Annexes, or to submit comments, visit this page.