EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) Report (Week 9, 2024): 5 Incidents of Chinese Food Products Notifie

The EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has recently released its report for Week 9 of 2024. The report highlights five incidents involving Chinese food products and related items that have been notified to the RASFF. This article provides an overview of the specific notifications and their implications.

According to the official website of the European Union, the RASFF has reported five cases related to Chinese food products in Week 9 of 2024. The notifications are as follows:

1. Green Tea from France (Notification No. 2024.1315):

The product was found to contain residues of chlorfluazuron (0.052 ± 0.026 mg/kg), flubendiamide (0.031 ± 0.016 mg/kg), and dimethoate (0.37 ± 0.19 mg/kg). The product had not yet reached the market and was subsequently destroyed. This incident was classified as a refusal of entry notification.

2. Vegetarian Steaks with Suspected Illegal Import of Pork DNA from

Italy (Notification No. 2024.1396):
The product was suspected of containing unauthorized pork DNA, indicating possible illegal importation. The product was distributed only within the notifying country and subjected to official detention. This incident was classified as an information notification.

3. Mini Spring Rolls Contaminated with Metal Fragments from the Netherlands (Notification No. 2024.1443):

Metal fragments were detected in the mini spring rolls. The product was distributed to other member countries, and the recipients were notified. This incident was classified as a warning notification.

4. Jelly Cups from Norway with Unauthorized Use of Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum, and Xanthan Gum (Notification No. 2024.1444):
The product was found to contain carrageenan, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum, which were used without authorization. The product was not distributed within the notifying country, and a public warning was issued through a press release. This incident was classified as an information notification.

5. Snacks with Suspected Illegal Import of Beef and Pork DNA from Italy (Notification No. 2024.1473):
The product was suspected of containing unauthorized beef and pork DNA, suggesting possible illegal importation. The product was distributed only within the notifying country and subjected to official detention. This incident was classified as an information notification.

The recent RASFF report highlights five incidents involving Chinese food products and related items. These incidents ranged from the presence of unauthorized substances to contamination and suspected illegal importation. It is crucial for exporting companies to adhere to the importing countries' requirements, avoid the use of unauthorized substances, and ensure the safety of food products to mitigate export risks. The RASFF continues to play a vital role in monitoring and ensuring the safety of food and feed products within the European Union.