While the demand for pork, beef and veal has fallen in Europe over the past 25 years, the craving for poultry is on the rise. At the same time, the quality of chicken meat sometimes leaves room for improvement. Especially hygiene and microbiological indicators like Salmonella, Campylobacter and antibiotic resistant germs were tested.

New Regulation (EU) 2021/1098 amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as regards maximum residue levels for 24-epibrassinolide, Allium cepa L. bulb extract, cyflumetofen, fludioxonil, fluroxypyr, sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate, sodium o-nitrophenolate and sodium p-nitrophenolate in or on certain products. These changes shall apply from 27.07.2021.

At their conference at the beginning of the year, the Standing Committee passed draft regulations for changing the maximum levels for ergot alkaloids, ergot sclerotia, and tropane alkaloids. The amendments will be adopted in the EU Contaminant Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006.

The BMEL advises that testing for ethylene oxide residues should be carried out appropriately as part of the internal quality assurance. In particular, the additive (E410) is discussed, but in general other thickeners should also be critically observed. Pesticide testing is a routine parameter of the GBA Group.

What does this mean for your commodity & test samples?

As a result of the removal of VAT exemption for the importation of goods with a value not exceeding 22 EUR all commodity & test samples are subject to importation VAT. In addition, a formal customs declaration will be required for the import of your commodity & test samples into the EU.