Protecting the environment and public health
Falmouth & Truro Port Health Authority
The Docks, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4NR, Tel 01326 211581, Fax 01326 211548, email: fal@cieh.org.uk ,VHF : 16, 69, 9, 10, 12
The Association of Port Health Authorities.
2.02 Suffolk Enterprise Centre, Felaw Maltings, Felaw St, Ipswich. IP2 8SJ +44 (0) 1473 407040.
2.02 Suffolk Enterprise Centre, Felaw Maltings, Felaw St, Ipswich. IP2 8SJ +44 (0) 1473 407040.
Since 1993 imports of products of animal origin from third countries have been controlled by Council Directives. In the UK these Directives have been implemented by the Products of Animal Origin (Import & Export) Regulations 1996. It is a requirement that all products of animal origin must be imported into the European Union through approved border inspection posts (BIPS) as designated by the European Commission. The only BIPs in the South West region are here in Falmouth and Bristol. These BIPs are regularly inspected by Officers from the commission to ensure that they have the necessary facilities to enable products to be controlled and inspected. On completion of checks at a BIP, products may be released for free use in the community and a veterinary certificate will be issued.
All consignments of products of animal origin will be subject to a documentary check which is the examination of the certificate of veterinary checks, public health and animal health certificates and the accompanying documentation including bill of lading and invoices. Since 1998 all consignments have been subject to an identity check as required by Directive 97/98 EC which consists of the removal of packages from the container and checks to ensure their marks, origin etc agree with the declaration on the health certificates and accompanying documents. Consignments are also required to be physically checked at levels prescribed by the Commission. Where consignments are found to be in non-compliance they may be either re-exported, used for a purpose other than human consumption or destroyed.
All other foodstuffs (i.e. not of animal origin, e.g. fruit and veg) imported from third countries are subject to strict import controls as laid out in the Imported Food Regulations 1997. No person is permitted to import into the UK any food that either fails to comply with food safety requirements or is unsound or unwholesome. Foodstuffs can be examined and, if necessary, detained for up to six working days to enable it to be analysed. Foodstuffs must also comply with legislation which permit the use and levels of preservatives, colours and other additives. The Aflotoxin in Nuts, Nut Products, Dried Figs and Dried Fig Product Regulations 1992 place specific limits for the level of aflotoxin in consignments of these foodstuffs. Aflotoxin is mould produced under certain specific conditions and is the most singularly naturally occurring carcinogenic known to man.
Imported Food Controls
