WIERINGERWERF – Normec Foodcare is reminding customers of the applicable European regulations for animal by-products (ABP) and derived products. This is in response to increased scrutiny by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) regarding the correct application of this legislation within the chain of sample submission, analysis, and processing. The regulations are set forth in Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009 and the accompanying implementing provisions in Regulation (EU) No. 142/2011. The purpose of these regulations is to protect public health, animal health, and the safety of the food and feed chains.
Animal by-products include dead animals or parts of animals, products of animal origin, and other products derived from animals that are no longer intended for human consumption.
This means that samples of whole or partial animal origin, such as meat, dairy, or eggs, submitted for laboratory testing may fall under this legislation. Once a product is submitted for analysis, it is no longer intended for consumption and is considered an animal by-product.
As an accredited laboratory within the ABP chain, Normec Foodcare is required to ensure that these materials are properly identified, traceable, and comply with legal requirements during transport, receipt, processing, storage, and disposal. The NVWA monitors compliance with these regulations.
In order to receive and process samples, complete and accurate information is required. For this reason, additional registration options have been included in the order forms.
Customers are asked to provide the following information:
Complete documentation contributes to the efficient processing of samples and supports legal requirements regarding traceability.
Regulations require laboratories to document deviations and deficiencies in submitted samples or documentation. If defects are identified upon receipt or evaluation, customers are notified.
Examples of nonconformities include:
These records are part of the laboratory’s quality and traceability obligations and may be requested during inspections by the NVWA.
To ensure analyses can be performed without delay, Normec Foodcare asks customers to submit samples carefully. Samples must:
If samples do not meet legal or technical requirements, this may result in processing delays.
With these guidelines, Normec Foodcare supports customers in ensuring careful and compliant sample submission. By working together to ensure complete record-keeping, accurate documentation, and optimal traceability, legal requirements are met and the safety of the food and feed supply chain is guaranteed.
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