HRFNAO Consultation - Response required 9 April 2025

This is a consultation on proposed amendments to the lists within assimilated Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/1793 which applies a temporary increase of official controls and special conditions governing the entry into Great Britain of specified food and feed of non-animal origin from specified countries.

The due date for response is 9 April 2025 and FPC will be providing a response.

You can access this here - HRFNAO Consultation - but the top line proposed information is below:

PROPOSALS

The following should have temporary increased controls removed. We have been monitoring compliance levels and based on our assessment of the data this shows a high level of certainty that removal of the product from control represents a negligible risk to public health.

• Sweet peppers from China (Salmonella)

The following should have controls reduced, decreasing frequency of identity and physical checks. We have seen improved compliance at the border, as well as the data obtained via other notifications that indicates that the level of risk has significantly reduced.

• Jackfruit from Malaysia (pesticide residues)
• Okra from Vietnam (pesticide residues)

The following should be added to the list in Annex I due to concerns that they present a risk to public health. They have been identified through the imports Early Warning System (EWS) as well as sampling data and intelligence from other sources. The products will be subject to a proportionate level of monitoring at GB border control posts to gather evidence about the risk to public health.

• Papaws (Papaya) from Brazil (pesticide residues)
• Pitahaya (dragon fruit) from Thailand (pesticide residues)

The following should remain in Annex I and have increased frequency of identity and physical checks due to concerns about the risk they pose to public health.

• Aubergines from the Dominican Republic (pesticide residues)

The following should move from Annex I into Annex II, requiring laboratory analysis and checks by competent authorities in exporting countries. These commodities have been subjected to monitoring and surveillance at GB border control posts over several years.
The information obtained from these controls in addition to data from other countries, indicates that levels of non-compliance are not improving. More stringent controls that place the emphasis on the exporting country to provide assurances about the product, are therefore considered appropriate.

• Peppers of the genus Capsicum (other than sweet) from Uganda (pesticide
residues)
• Okra from India (pesticide residues)
• Drumsticks (Moringa oleifera) from India (pesticide residues)
• Seeds of Anise, Badian, Fennel, Coriander, Cumin or Caraway; Juniper berries
from India (pesticide residues)
• Ginger, Saffron, Turmeric (Curcuma), Thyme, Bay leaves, Curry and other spices
from India (pesticide residues)