New developments in safety testing of soft fruits

Hazards reported on food of plant origin in the Rapid Alert System for Foodand Feed (RASFF) from 1997 to 2021 and their occurrence, prevention and reduction

Between 1997 and 2021 notifications for foods of plant origin covered 44.6% of all notifications in the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). A two-way joining cluster analysis for notifications on plants reported in the RASFF in 1997-2021 was carried out. The following variables were considered: hazard, product category and country of origin in relation to year of notification. In the period studied mainly mycotoxins, pesticide residues and pathogenic micro-organisms were reported. The most frequently notified product categories were nuts and seeds, fruit and vegetables and herbs and spices. The submitted products originated from Asian, African and South-American countries. The study findings were followed by a literature analysis outlining the occurrence and prevention and reduction possibilities of the mentioned hazards, which can be used in these countries. Attention was drawn to the need to carry out controls at EU border inspection posts, monitor and update hazard limits and improve the rapid exchange of information and response to detected hazards.