On April 23, 2021, the European Food Safety Authority scientific opinions on biological hazards (BIOHAZ) published a guidance on “Date marking and Food Related Information (Part 2)” in relation to Regulation (EU) No1169/2011 on food information provided to consumers as an integrated part of their food safety management system (FSMS).
The key point to consider:
- Risk-based approach on the type of date marking, setting of shelf-life and the associated food information to ensure food safety.
- To establish storage conditions and a time limit for consumption after opening the package and impact on product safety
- Microbial safety and associated risk factors on storage conditions on freezing and thawing
- Good hygiene practices for thawing from a food safety point of view to minimize growth of and contamination by pathogens
- “Use by date” the term ‘shorter’ refers only to when shelf-life is based on safety criteria, and not on quality.
To view the complete safety assessment report, check out the Food News Monitoring System.
