1. 52nd Annual General Assembly of CLITRAVI
Eric POUDELET DIRECTOR «SAFETY OF THE FOOD CHAIN» HEALTH AND CONSUMERS DIRECTORATE GENERAL EUROPEAN COMMISSION

2. Targets for Salmonella reduction in pigs
Baseline surveys: reference values
Slaughter pigs: 2007 (EU mean:10,3%)
Breeding herds: 2008 (EU mean: 31,8%)
Cost/benefit analysis required: mid 2010 (slaughter pigs), end 2010 (breeding pigs)
Target setting: end 2010-beginning 2011
Control programmes including monitoring in all MS: 18 months after target setting
No review of microbiological criteria in red meat currently considered

3. Report on mechanically separated meat (MSM)
Request of the European Parliament and Council within the TSE Regulation
Covering:
Necessity: continued use supported
Use: varying interpretation, influenced by visual and histological aspects, quality parameters and consumers perception
Information policy: see ongoing discussion on labelling
Publication expected in June

4. Import of composite products (CP)
Regulation (EC) No 853/2004: products of animal origin in imported CP: only from countries and establishments permitted to import these products of animal origin
Derogated until end of 2013
However, 2 steps introduction launched:
Lifting of derogation for CP containing products of animal origin subjected to animal health rules (comitology: 2011)
Risk-based final provision (co-decision by end of 2013)

5. R. (EC) No 853/2004 and distribution centres
Supermarket distribution centres are retail establishments
R. 853/2004 does not apply to retail, unless supply to other establishments except:
If only storage or transport
Supply is a marginal, localised and restricted activity
National measures may apply

6. Antimicrobial treatment
Chemical treatment
Reviewed joint AFC/BIOHAZ (EFSA) guidance document published (risk of antimicrobial resistance to be addressed)
Applicants invited to update their file for assessment
Qualified majority requested if favourable assessment
Steam pasteurisation: not prohibited
Decontamination by recycled hot water: EFSA opinion requested

7. Review of meat inspection
Round Table on 18 May 2010
Current provisions including flexibility
Current practices and existing scientific advice
Animal health and welfare relevance
International context (CODEX, major trade partners)
Further exchanges of views with Member States and all relevant private stakeholders planned
Mandate to EFSA to ensure a risk based approach

8. Smoke Flavourings
The first Union list on primary products for smoke flavourings
EFSA has finished the evaluations (in total 11 products)
The Commission currently preparing its proposal on the products which may remain on the market and on which conditions
Stakeholders, including Clitravi, were consulted in March 2010
Adoption of the list foreseen before the end 2010

9. Nitrites
Directive 2006/52/EC: new provisions for the use of nitrites in meat products.
balance between formation of nitrosamines versus microbiological safety
May 2008, more stringent national provisions in Denmark were accepted for two years.
End 2009 Denmark reintroduced a new request, main arguments:
No cases of botulism
No influence on import
After consulting EFSA and Member States, the Commission prepared a new Decision:
Denmark can maintain its national provisions for another 5 years
Commission will monitor how nitrites are used in the Member States in the different categories of meat products
The Commission will consider if it is appropriate to propose an adaptation to Directive 2006/52/EC

10. Thrombin/Fibrinogen
8 February 2010 : Scofcah voted in favour of authorising the enzyme preparation Thrombin/fibrinogen in meat preparation/products.
27 April 2010: The European Parliament adopted a draft motion against it
This motion will be voted in the EP plenary session of May in Strasbourg.
The Commissioner will defend the authorisation of this enzyme in meat:
No safety concern according to EFSA.
Consumer adequately informed (pre-packed product)
Technological need (stabiliser).
The products containing this enzyme and covered by the draft proposal should not be put on the market as processing aids

11. Cloning
The issue is to assess the need, feasibility and proportionality of measures to regulate cloning in the EU
Following the commitment of Commissioner Dalli during the hearings with the European Parliament, the Commission will present a report on cloning by the end of 2010.
The report will consider all aspects of cloning for food production and will point out options on measures to be taken

12. Nutrient profiles
Maximum levels of nutrients (saturated fat, sugars, sodium) above which nutrition and health claims are restricted / prohibited
Legal requirement established by Regulation (EC)n°1924/2006
EFSA delivered its opinion, Stakeholders and Member States were consulted
Meat, like other basic foods, could be exempted, while meat products would be subject to specific nutrient profiles
Application 2 years after adoption (Standing Committee vote – Council and EP scrutiny)

13. Origin labelling of meat - Proposal on food information
Voluntary unless its omission could mislead the consumer
Country of origin = place of last substantial change
If origin of the primary ingredient(s) differs from place of last substantial change, the origin of those ingredient(s) should also be given
Meat - places of birth, rearing and slaughter
EP – compulsory origin for some foods
EP Plenary - 14 June 2010

14. Information on non prepacked food (Pre-packaging at retail level)
Directive 2000/13/EC: Derogations by MS for non prepacked food or prepacked food for direct sale.
FIC proposal: same approach but no derogation for allergens.
Regulation = stricter rules.
No request from EP and Council for different treatment of prepacked for direct sale.