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Fachthema Allgemeines Lebensmittelrecht, Lebensmittelsicherheit und -hygiene fading v4

Genaral food law, food safety and hygiene

This topic includes product-specific information on the following product groups:

All food

This topic includes cross-product regulations that generally apply to all foods. In addition to food safety and hygiene aspects, there is also information on the responsibilities of entrepreneurs.

Fact sheets

20.06.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

When is a food not safe?

Switzerland Food may only be placed on the market if it is safe. If unsafe food is already on the market, the products must be withdrawn or recalled. Food is considered unsafe if it can be assumed...

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20.06.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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When is a food not safe?

European Union Foodstuffs that are not safe may not be placed on the market in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 (Basic Regulation). The Basic Regulation states that a food is not safe if...

EU
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Articles

16.06.2025
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Änderung der Lebensmittelsicherheitskriterien hinsichtlich L. monocytogenes für genussfertige Lebensmittel

Translation coming soon. Die Hygieneverordnung beinhaltet u. a. allgemeine Hygienevorschriften für den Umgang mit Lebensmitteln und enthält für Lebensmittel geltende mikrobiologischen Kriterien. Zur...

CH
Infoletter
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02.04.2025
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Opinions of the ALS in the area of general food law

Opinions of the Working Group of Food Chemistry Experts of the German states and the German Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (ALS) serve as guidance for the interpretation and...

DE
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31.03.2025
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Draft amendment to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 laying down health rules for animal products published

Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 contains specific hygiene requirements for food of animal origin to be adhered to by food business operators. Among other things, the new draft provides for an amendment...

EU
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07.03.2025
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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ALTS resolutions of the 94th Workshop on risk assessment of allergen levels and food hygiene

The opinions of the working group comprising experts in the field of food hygiene and foodstuffs of animal origin (the ALTS) serve as guidance for the interpretation and application of foodstuffs...

DE
Infoletter
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24.02.2025
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Revised DGHM microbiological guide values and warning values published

In November 2024, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) revised its microbiological guide values and warning values for...

DE
Infoletter
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08.01.2025
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Guide to informing the public about food that is hazardous to health

The German Federal State Working Group for Consumer Protection (LAV) has updated its guidelines on informing the public about foods that are hazardous to health. If a potentially harmful foodstuff...

DE
Infoletter
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01.01.2025
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Transitional period for food labelled under the old regulations ends soon

In the article referenced below, we reported on the amendment of the allergen specifications with regard to emulsifiers produced with behenic acid from mustard seeds. Behenic acid with a purity of at...

EU
Reminder
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19.12.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene
Beverages

NEW

Amendment to the Codex chapter B 1 - Drinking water

The Austrian Foodstuffs Code (Codex Alimentarius Austriacus) lays down designations, definitions, methods of investigation and principles of assessment aswell as guidelines for themanufacture and...

AT
Infoletter
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11.12.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Decisions of the ALTS in the area of general food law and food hygiene

The decisions of the working group comprising experts in the field of food hygiene and foodstuffs of animal origin (the ALTS) serve as guidance for the interpretation and application of foodstuffs...

DE
Infoletter
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05.12.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Traceability of food: Guidelines for implementation revised

The "Recommendation on the implementation of food traceability requirements", a joint federal and state government document, has been revised and can also be viewed or downloaded on the website of the...

DE
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27.11.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Change in food safety criteria regarding L. monocytogenes for ready-to-eat foods

Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 lays down the microbiological criteria for foodstuffs, including food safety criteria. The food safety criteria to be complied with also include limits for the human...

EU
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31.10.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Transitional period under the Regulation on Food Information ends soon

As part of Stretto 4, the Regulation on Food Information (LIV) was also amended. We reported on the amendments in the referenced article below. According to this, food may continue to be produced...

CH
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31.10.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Transitional period under the Regulation on Hygiene in the Handling of Foodstuffs ends soon

As part of Stretto 4, the Regulation on Hygiene in the Handling of Foodstuffs (HyV) was also amended. We reported on the amendments in the referenced article below. According to this, food may...

CH
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31.10.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Transitional period under the Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Regulation ends soon

The Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Regulation (LGV) was also amended as part of Stretto 4. This means that food and consumer goods may still be produced, imported and labelled in accordance with the...

CH
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27.09.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Amendment of the allergen specifications with regard to emulsifiers produced with behenic acid from mustard seeds (LMIV)

Annex II of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 (LMIV) contains a list of substances or products that may trigger allergies or intolerances in susceptible persons. Information on their presence in food must...

EU
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23.09.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Revised DGHM microbiological guide values and warning values for smoked salmon published

In 2024, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) revised its microbiological guide values and warning values for the...

DE
(Legal) draft
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23.09.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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New draft for microbiological guide and warning values for raw sausages in the retail trade

In April 2024, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) developed drafts for guide values and warning values for raw sausages...

DE
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04.09.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene
Beverages

NEW

Extension of the Food Act to include Art. 14a Alcohol test purchases

The Swiss Food Act (LMG) serves to protect the health of consumers and to ensure the hygienic handling of food. In addition, protection against deception in relation to food and consumer goods is...

CH
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09.08.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Date of application of the requirements for the storage of dried meat

In the referenced article, we provided information about an amendment to Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004, which contains specific hygiene regulations for food of animal origin. For example, requirements...

EU
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20.06.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Recommendations for action on the legal situation regarding food donations published

The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has published a legal opinion entitled "Identification, evaluation and recommendations for action on legal barriers to the prevention of food...

DE
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23.04.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to the "Animal Food Hygiene Regulation"

The Animal Food Hygiene Regulation (TierLMHV) regulates the production and placing on the market of certain foods of animal origin. This amendment harmonises the TierLMHV with the amendment to the...

DE
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22.04.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to the hygiene regulations for food of animal origin

Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 contains specific hygiene requirements for food of animal origin to be adhered to by food business operators. Annex II of the regulation contains rules for several...

EU
Infoletter
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18.04.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Plans to refine food safety criteria regarding the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods

Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 lays down the microbiological criteria for foodstuffs, including food safety criteria. For Listeria monocytogenes, limit values are prescribed for various ready-to-eat...

EU
(Legal) draft
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04.04.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

ALTS decision on food hygiene

The opinions of the working group comprising experts in the field of food hygiene and foodstuffs of animal origin (ALTS) serve as guidance for the interpretation and application of foodstuffs...

DE
Infoletter
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25.03.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Revised DGHM microbiological guide values and warning values published

In November 2023, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) revised its microbiological guide values and warning values for...

DE
Infoletter
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14.03.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

New draft for microbiological guide and warning values

In November 2023, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) developed drafts for guide values and warning values for cold...

DE
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05.02.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to the Foodstuffs Safety and Consumer Protection Act

With the 171st Federal Law, the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act (LMSVG) will be amended by the new federal law. The amendments relate to procedures and provisions for official controls and...

AT
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19.01.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to the Directive on food handling hygiene

As part of the revision of the food law package (Stretto 4), 25 regulations will be amended. The revision is intended to strengthen health and fraud protection, implement several motions and harmonise...

CH
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16.01.2024
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to the Food and Commodities Regulation

As part of the revision of the food law package (Stretto 4), 25 regulations will be amended. The revision is intended to strengthen health and fraud protection, implement several motions and harmonise...

CH
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20.12.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to Codex Section A1 Case Law

The Austrian Foodstuffs Code (Codex Alimentarius Austriacus) lays down and specifies designations, definitions, methods of investigation and principles of assessment as well as guidelines for placing...

AT
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20.12.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to Codex Section A 3 General principles of assessment

The Austrian Foodstuffs Code (Codex Alimentarius Austriacus) lays down designations, definitions, methods of investigation and principles of assessment as well as guidelines for placing goods on the...

AT
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07.12.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

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Entwurf für eine Änderung der Definition von technisch hergestelltem Nanomaterial

Translation coming soon. Die Verordnung (EU) 2015/2283 regelt die Vorgaben für neuartige Lebensmittel. Die Verordnung enthält auch eine Definition des Begriffs "technisch hergestelltes Nanomaterial"...

EU
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29.09.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Revised DGHM microbiological guide values and warning values published

In May 2023, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) revised its microbiological guide values and warning values for the...

DE
Infoletter
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28.09.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

New draft for microbiological guide and warning values

In May 2023, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) developed and revised drafts for guide values and warning values for...

DE
(Legal) draft
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20.09.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Food Defence checklist

In addition to other aspects, such as food fraud or food safety, food protection must also include the aspect of food product protection (food defence). This refers to protection against deliberate...

DE
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23.06.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment of the Waste Management Act with regard to the prevention of food waste

The 66th Federal Act amended the Waste Management Act 2002. A section on "Transparency on the prevention of food waste" was added in Section 11a. Food retailers with a sales area of more than 400...

AT
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09.05.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Guidance on the implementation of the Commission Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial

The European Commission published a recommendation on the revised definition of nanomaterials in June 2022. Now, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has published guidance on...

EU
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09.05.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Guideline for the sale of food in the event of a blackout

In order to ensure food safety in the event of a blackout, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection has issued a guideline dealing with the sale of frozen food and...

AT
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03.05.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Planned amendment to the Hygiene Regulation requirements for food of animal origin

Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 contains specific hygiene requirements for food of animal origin to be adhered to by food business operators. Based on new scientific knowledge, Annexes II and III are now...

EU
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13.04.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene
Food contact materials

NEW

Transitional period for certain recycled materials and objects intended to come into contact with food expires soon

We reported on the new version of the Regulation on recycled plastic for food contact materials in referenced article. This defines requirements for the development of new technologies and for...

EU
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05.04.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

ALS opinions regarding allergens in manufacturing operations

Opinion of the Working Group of Food Chemistry Experts of the states and the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (ALS) serve as guidance for the interpretation and application of...

DE
Infoletter
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04.04.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Revised DGHM microbiological guide values and warning values published

In November 2022, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialised group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) revised its microbiological guide values and warning values for...

DE
Infoletter
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02.03.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Regulation on the minimum requirements for water reuse enters into force soon

We reported on the Regulation on the minimum requirements for water reuse which should be used in agriculture in the article referenced below. In addition to minimum water quality requirements, it...

EU
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21.02.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Draft for the adaptation of the Animal Food Hygiene Regulation

In the article referenced below, we reported on the amendment of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 with regard to, among other things, the extension of the sales period for eggs from 21 to 28 days after...

DE
(Legal) draft
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19.01.2023
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Paper on allergen management and information flow in supply chains

Food Drink Europe (FDE) published a paper on the topic of allergen management and the information flow in supply chains. Allergen management requires a comprehensive preventive approach along the...

EU
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30.12.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Guidance on the hygienic handling of reusable containers published

The Federal Ministry for Health and Consumer Protection has published guidance for the handling of containers provided by customers for refilling. This shows that filling customer's containers is...

AT
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23.12.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Änderung der Leitlinie Schankanlagen

The Austrian Foodstuffs Code (Codex Alimentarius Austriacus) lays down designations, definitions, methods of investigation and principles of assessment as well as guidelines for the manufacture and...

AT
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24.11.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene
Food of animal origin

NEW

Change to the hygiene requirements of food of animal origin

Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 governs specific hygiene requirements for food of animal origin. This Regulation will be amended. The change will result in the selling period for eggs being amended and...

EU
Infoletter
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14.11.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Decisions of the ALTS on food hygiene and microbiology

The decisions of the working group comprising experts in the field of food hygiene and foodstuffs of animal origin (the ALTS) serve as guidance for the interpretation and application of foodstuffs...

DE
Infoletter
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26.10.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

CJEU judgment on the application of the zero tolerance limit of Listeria monocytogenes of foods placed on the market

The microbial requirements for food are defined in Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005. Limits for Listeria monocytogenes in food that may benefit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and are not intended...

EU
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05.10.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene
Pet food and supplies

NEW

Amendment to the regulation on traceability according to the LFGB will enter into force soon

We informed you about the fourth law for the amendment of the Food and Feed Code (LFGB) with the article referenced below. An amendment related, among other things, to the revised obligation to...

DE
Reminder
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06.09.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

New and revised DGHM microbiological guide values and warning values published

In May 2022, the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialized group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) revised its microbiological guide values and warning values for the...

DE
Infoletter
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18.07.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Update to the recommendation on challenge tests relating to Listeria monocytogenes

The recommendation for challenge tests and/or storage tests for the objectified safeguarding of shelf life requirements in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 regarding Listeria monocytogenes...

AT
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21.06.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Definition of nanomaterials revised

The European Commission published a recommendation on the definition of nanomaterials in October 2011. The recommendation proposed a subsequent review of the definition on taking scientific...

EU
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02.06.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene
Pet food and supplies

NEW

Amended deadline and form requirement for traceability information will enter into force shortly

We informed you about several amendments of the Food and Feed Code (LFGB) with the article referenced below. An amendment relates, among other things, to the revised obligation to forward traceability...

DE
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20.05.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Agreement between the government and industry to reduce food waste

A basic agreement to reduce food waste was signed on 12 May 2022 by the Swiss Confederation represented by the Federal Department for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication (UVEK) and 28...

CH
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03.03.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Update to the Information Letter on the supply of foodstuffs after the expiry of the minimum durability date

We reported in referenced article below on the Information Letter 2021/9 of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) which addresses the supply of foodstuffs in the retail industry after...

CH
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17.02.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

ALTS decision on STEC in flour and products derived therefrom

The decisions of the working group comprising experts in the field of food hygiene and foodstuffs of animal origin (the ALTS) serve as guidance for the interpretation and application of foodstuffs...

DE
Infoletter
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07.02.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

New and revised DGHM microbiological guide values and warning values published

In November 2021 the foodstuffs microbiology and hygiene specialized group of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) revised its microbiological guide values and warning values for the...

DE
Infoletter
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18.01.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Amendment to the Foodstuffs Safety and Consumer Protection Act and the Health and Food Safety Act

The Foodstuffs Safety and Consumer Protection Act (LMSVG) specifies the requirements pertaining to foodstuffs, water for human consumption, consumer goods for day-to-day use and cosmetics as well as...

AT
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11.01.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene
Food labelling

NEW

Supplement to Codex Section A1 Case Law

The Austrian Foodstuffs Code (Codex Alimentarius Austriacus) lays down and specifies designations, definitions, methods of investigation and principles of assessment as well as guidelines for placing...

AT
Infoletter
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11.01.2022
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Permanent introduction of the exemption for the direct supply of small quantities of meat from poultry and lagomorphs

In the article referenced below, we reported, among other things, on an extension of an exemption for small quantities of meat from poultry and lagomorphs slaughtered on the farm. Compliance with the...

EU
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26.06.2020
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse

Due to climate change and the risk of water scarcity in Europe, the use of reclaimed water in agriculture is a possible alternative. However, it must be ensured that the reclaimed water does not pose...

EU
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15.02.2017
General food law, food safety and hygiene

NEW

Extension of transitional measures for Regulations (EC) No 853/2004 and (EC) 854/2004

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1079/2013 laid down transitional measures for the application of Regulations (EC) No 853/2004 and (EC) No 854/2004 from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. Since...

EU
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