Food Safety Update: July 2021

The Agriculture and Livestock Service of Chile notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the Resolution No 4026/2021, amending the Resolution No 4143/2018, as regards the import requirements for peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.).
 
Chile has approved the treatments in origin with methyl bromide and phosphine to control certain insects.
 
This resolution entered into force on July 8, 2021.
 
Please see the WTO notification here.

According to the European Federation of the Trade in Dried Fruit, Edible Nuts, Processed Fruit & Vegetables, Processed Fishery Products (FRUCOM), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is revising the classification of the active substance sulfur dioxide (SO2). An additional classification of germ-cell mutagenicity cat. 2, as well as skin sensitization, is proposed. If adopted, this would have a significant impact on the food production industry since it is used in several food production processes such as in dried apricots.

The UK has extended the period of application of existing easements in official controls in operation in Great Britain, in order to contain risks of serious disruption to the system caused by COVID-19. The deadline for application is substituted by December 31, 2021 (instead of July 1, 2021).
 
2021 No. 681. Official Controls (Temporary Measures) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021.