Commission Regulation (EC) No 565/2008
of 18 June 2008
amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs as regards the establishment of a maximum level for dioxins and PCBs in fish liver
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Whereas:
Maximum levels should be set at a strict level which is achievable by following good practices and taking into account the risk related to the consumption of food.
Very high levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs have been found in canned fish liver and were reported through the Rapid Alert System for Feed and Food (RASFF) since 2006. No maximum level was established for fish liver and processed products thereof. In order to protect public health competent authorities prohibited the placing on the market of those products because they were deemed to be unsafe.
It is appropriate to establish a Community maximum level for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in fish liver and processed products thereof to protect public health and to ensure a uniform approach in the internal market.
Taking into account the specific canning process of fish liver, the maximum level established for fresh fish liver should also apply to processed fish liver.
The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: