Updated Food Safety Notice on Animal By-Products Regulations Released by SFPA
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has officially released an updated Food Safety Information Notice (FSIN) aimed at seafood operators. This notice outlines their responsibilities concerning Animal By-Products (ABPs) regulations.
Understanding Animal By-Products (ABPs)
ABPs are materials derived from animals that are not intended for human consumption. If not managed correctly, these materials pose potential health risks to both humans and animals. Proper categorization of ABPs based on their risk levels is crucial. The FSIN outlines three specific categories of ABPs.
Compliance Obligations for Food Business Operators (FBOs)
Food Business Operators, including fishermen and processors, are required to comply with regulations regarding:
- The disposal of mollusc shells
- Crustacean processing waste
- Various ABPs, such as bait
FBOs generating animal-origin materials that are not for human consumption must familiarize themselves with the applicable regulations. Importantly, the responsibility for compliance lies with the individual or entity possessing the ABP material at any stage of the supply chain.
Transportation and Documentation of ABPs
FBOs engaged in the transport of ABPs or related products, including bait, must include a commercial document with every consignment. Detailed requirements regarding the transportation, record-keeping, and disposal of shellfish shells are also provided in the FSIN.
Support and Guidance from SFPA
The SFPA is dedicated to aiding compliance with both new and existing legislation. For further assistance or details regarding the FSIN, you may contact the authority at:
sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie
Accessing the FSIN
The FSIN is available on the SFPA website under the Fishery Information Notices section. You can also access it directly through the following link:
More About ABPs
ABPs encompass various materials of animal origin that are unsuitable for human consumption, including:
- Inedible parts from slaughtered animals (e.g., fish skin, bones, tails)
- Dead finfish, bivalve molluscs, and other molluscs from aquaculture or the wild
- Former foodstuffs that are deemed unfit for consumption
- Bait used in commercial fishing
Transportation Requirements
FBOs transporting ABPs must ensure that a commercial document accompanies each shipment. For further guidelines concerning Commercial Documents and their specific applications, refer to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) trader notice accessible here:
For Further Information
For a detailed view of the regulations and guidelines, please refer to the original source.
