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9/24/06

FreshPlaza: New EC ’s Communication: Better training for safer food


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Better training for safer food

The European Commission has adopted a Communication entitled “Better training for safer food”, which addresses the issue of training EU and third country officials responsible for carrying out the necessary controls to ensure food safety and consumer protection in the EU. “Good controls are a key factor in making sure that EU food law is complied with and that food and feed put on the EU market meets the high safety standards we have set. Training for the responsible officials is crucial in ensuring that the controls are carried out fully and properly, and in a uniform manner. The bottom line is that better training of the competent authorities means safer food and greater protection for consumers throughout the EU”, declared the Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, responsible for Health and Consumer Protection. Among the topics identified in Commission’s Communication as priority areas for training are avian influenza, the treatment of animal by-products and other waste material, animal welfare (especially during epidemics), salmonella and other zoonoses, HACCP implementation, pesticide controls and EU standards for fruit, vegetables and fishery products. EU training programmes have already begun in this respect, and in 2005 some €4 million was spent training over 1 500 officials.

The Better Training for Safer Food initiative is also open to participants from third countries. The aim is to foster a better understanding of the food standards and import procedures required by the EU and to help third countries, especially developing countries, to meet these requirements.

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