EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) Report - Week 6, 2024

The European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of food products circulating within its member states. In the report for the sixth week of 2024, RASFF notified China of 11 cases involving food and related products. This article aims to provide an overview of the specific incidents mentioned in the RASFF report, highlighting the reasons for the alerts and the actions taken.

RASFF Report Highlights:

1. Fennel from Denmark (2024.0772):

Reason for alert: Presence of chlorpyrifos exceeding the maximum limit (0.022 mg/kg, while the limit is 0.01 mg/kg).
Action taken: Non-distribution in the notifying country and recall from consumers.

2. Dill seeds from Denmark (2024.0783):

Reason for alert: Presence of multiple pesticide residues above the acceptable limits.
Action taken: Distribution to other member states and recall from consumers.

3. Cumin seeds from Denmark (2024.0797):

Reason for alert: Presence of multiple pesticide residues above the acceptable limits.
Action taken: Distribution to other member states and recall from consumers.

4. Kitchen utensils from France (2024.0822):

Reason for alert: Migration of primary aromatic amines (47.9 µg/kg).
Action taken: Distribution to other member states ceased and withdrawal from the market.

5. Egg beater from Ireland (2024.0823):

Reason for alert: Migration of primary aromatic amines (Unit A = 0.0214 ± 0.0006, Unit B = 0.0113 ± 0.0002, Unit C = 0.0168 ± 0.0005 mg/kg).
Action taken: Product not yet placed on the market, officially detained.

6. Nylon stirrer from Ireland (2024.0829):

Reason for alert: Migration of primary aromatic amines (0.010 ± 0.0002, <0.002, <0.002 mg/kg).
Action taken: Product not yet placed on the market, officially detained.

7. Milk tea from the Netherlands (2024.0843):

Reason for alert: Failure to comply with necessary veterinary controls (BCP).
Action taken: Distribution to other member states and detainment by operators.

8. Mooncakes from the Netherlands (2024.0854):

Reason for alert: Presence of additive E266 (sodium dehydroacetate).
Action taken: Distribution to other member states and notification sent to recipients.

9. Bamboo fiber tableware set from Malta (2024.0863):

Reason for alert: Unauthorized use of plastic-mixed bamboo fiber.
Action taken: Non-distribution in the notifying country and destruction.

10. Cumin powder from Denmark (2024.0916):

Reason for alert: Presence of multiple pesticide residues above the acceptable limits.
Action taken: Non-distribution in the notifying country and recall from consumers.

11. Dried mushrooms from Italy (2024.0928):

Reason for alert: Incorrect labeling.
Action taken: Non-distribution in the notifying country and seizure.

The RASFF report for the sixth week of 2024 revealed 11 cases involving food and related products from China. These alerts were issued due to various reasons, including pesticide residues, migration of aromatic amines, non-compliance with veterinary controls, and incorrect labeling. Immediate actions such as recalls, market withdrawals, detainment, and destruction were taken to ensure consumer safety. The RASFF continues to play a vital role in safeguarding food quality and protecting public health within the European Union.