Press Release: Traceability of food products: new EU guidelines to facilitate implementation

Guidelines were agreed between the European Commission and the Member States on 31 January 2005 to facilitate the implementation of major requirements in the General Food Law (Regulation 178/2002) that had entered into force on 1 January 2005. The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, consisting of representatives of the Member States, agreed on this common guidance document to make harmonised implementation in all Member States easier. The specific requirements covered in the guidance document include the traceability of food products, withdrawal of dangerous food products from the market, operator responsibilities and requirements applicable to imports and exports.