Report on discussions at the Commission Working Group meeting on 2 July 2007

Further consideration was given to the list of Member States’ (MSs) proposals of amendments to the hygiene regulations requiring co-decision. The Commission agreed to notify the European Parliament rapporteur of the Working Group’s desire to re-open the debate on post-mortem inspection by plant-employed staff.

There was a discussion on egg products, but no agreement that a change in the definitions will be beneficial. The Commission acknowledged that further work is needed.

The Commission’s proposals about the traceability of meat in cold stores were again discussed, but little progress was made and this issue will be returned to.

There was discussion on the proposals on ‘discontinuous slaughter’ on the grounds that the proposed regulation would reduce the flexibility to allow competent authorities to carry out risk assessments. The Commission now intends to take this to the SCoFCAH meeting on 19 July for an opinion.

There was an apparent agreement on exemption from requirement for record-keeping by small scale coastal fishing operations.

There were discussions on the possible revision of sanitary rules regarding import of fish oil for human consumption. The Commission will put forward a proposal at the next meeting with recommendation for a one year extension.

The Commission stated that the list of proposed amendments to the hygiene regulations requiring co-decision was not closed.

Copies of the documents discussed are attached for your information.

Date of next meeting: Mid/late October.

Consideration was given to a proposal to extend Article 14 of Reg. 2076/2005. General agreement to consider amendment of Article 5 (6) (a) of Reg. 854/2004 in relation to training requirements in poultry slaughterhouses.

The transitional measure in 2076/2005 is due to expire in 2009 and, therefore, it will be necessary to amend 854/2004. The Commission would draft a proposal.

The Commission introduced the proposal to extend use of slaughterhouse staff for inspection purposes to other species (pigs, sheep and reindeer). There was much support for this among MSs. The Group was reminded that this had been the agreed intention of the Council during the negotiations on the Regulations, but had been overturned by the Parliament. The Commission noted the sensitivity of this issue and agreed to make the EP rapporteur aware of the views of the group.

Amendment suggested to the technical list to include frozen fish. It was agreed that further consideration was required.

The issue was raised again of an extension of the derogation allowing supply of small quantities of meat direct to the final consumer to include ostriches. The Commission explained the proposal had previously been rejected on the grounds of the size of ostriches, but it would re-consider the proposal.

There was discussion of Article 1, 3(d and e) of Regulation (EC) 853/2004. The Commission highlighted the fact that it was necessary to make a decision in relation to this as the derogation would expire in 2009. The Commission agreed to prepare a proposal referring to Article 1, 4 regarding the supply of wild game under exempt routes allowed by p Article 1, 3(e).

Discussion on proposal to amend regulation (EC) 853/2004 to exclude product produced from raw eggs. There was general support from MSs on the suggestion to exempt liquid eggs from compliance with the Regulation when used as an ingredient in other products. The issue will be revisited.

SANCO/1489/2007 (Rev 1)
The Commission explained that the proposal reflected MS opinions. The date of initial freezing is required, the dates of thawing and re-freezing and the date of minimum durability. There was much debate among MSs, and the Commission agreed to reflect further.

SANCO/1490/2007 (Rev 1)
Clarification was given by the Commission that paper documents accompanying consignments were not necessary, and the information could be provided in electronic form.

SANCO/2696/2006 (Rev 8) 02.07.2007
There had been a proposal by a MS of an amendment to Regulation (EC) 2074/2005, Annex III, Chapter II, which would prescribe the 2006.02 ASP ELISA method. However, the Commission proposed that the current wording be retained: ‘ELISA methods may be used to detect the total content of amnesic shellfish poison of edible parts of molluscs.’ HPLC would remain the reference method. This was agreed.

The Commission's legal service had made editorial changes to the proposed Regulation including rectifying inconsistency in Annex II. The new version will be circulated later. A request was made to include ‘young bovine’ animals in the proposed amendment of Annex VI b, (3) d regarding movement from farm to collection centres. There was general agreement for this to be included in the final text.

There was discussion on the proposals on ‘discontinuous slaughter’ on the grounds that the proposed regulation would reduce the flexibility to allow competent authorities to carry out risk assessments. There was opposition from only a small minority of MSs. The Commission will now bring the draft regulation to the next SCoFCAH meeting on 19 July for an opinion. MSs were asked to tender further comments to the Commission by 12 July.

SANCO/99/2007 (Rev 1) 02.07.2007
The Commission's legal service had made editorial amendments. It was noted that Recital 2 refers to reports published indicating that pepsin powder can cause allergic reactions in certain susceptible individuals. However, these reports had not been provided. The Commission suggested the discussion be postponed.

SANCO/140/2007 (Rev 7) 02.07.2007
The Commission legal services had made editorial amendments. The Commission explained the intention was to reduce the administrative burden placed on small scale fishing operations consisting of 1 or 2 people. However, concern was raised that the proposed regulation might exempt some larger businesses and it was suggested that the competent authority carry out a risk assessment on each sector. This will be discussed at a later date following further MS suggestions.

There was a discussion on a suggestion of a simplification of the model document to accompany raw material destined for the production of gelatine or collagen for human consumption.

MSs were requested to tender comments on proposed Regulations 2696/2006, 99/2007 and 140/2007 by 12 July as these will be put to SCoFCAH on 19 July

There was no discussion on this topic. The Commission requested MSs to scrutinise for accuracy the document of proposed amendments that could be addressed by comitology.

The Commission reported that the sanitary rules regarding the import of raw fish oil for processing for human consumption from third countries were a source of concern for a number of MSs. The Commission will propose an extension of 1 year at the next meeting, which should enable third countries establishments time to comply, and will give the opportunity for further consideration of the rules.

The Commission requested comments from MSs regarding their experiences with food chain information.