RAPID ALERT SYSTEM FOR ………
Introduction
Food safety and consumer health protection is of interest to government authorities,
producers, non-governmental organizations, trade organizations as well as the general
public. The strategy of food safety in the European Union (EU) includes the Rapid Alert
System for Food and Feed (RASFF), which is an effective tool for exchanging information
between all members of the system relating to the existence of the risk to human health
identified in food, feed or food contact materials. Based on information from the RASFF,
prompt action and early risk prevention is possible as an essential element of food safety
strategy.
…..
Table 1. The members of the RASFF and their representative organizations
EUROPEAN UNION
European Commission  Health and Consumer Protection DirectorateGeneral
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
ESTONIA
Veterinaar-ja Toiduamet (Veterinary and Food Board)
FINLAND
Elintarviketurvallisuusvirasto Evira (Finnish Food Safety Authority
Evira)
FRANCE
Portail de l’Economie et des Finances  Direction Générale de la
concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes
(DGCCRF)
Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Agroalimentaire (Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Forestry)
GERMANY
Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit (BVL)
(Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety)
GREECE
Hellenic Food Authority (EFET)
HUNGARY
Nemzeti Élelmiszerlánc-biztonsági Hivatal (National Food Chain Safety
Office)
ICELAND
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority  MAST
IRELAND
F.S.A.I. - Food Safety Authority of Ireland
ITALY
Ministero della Salute (Ministry of Health)
LATVIA
Partikas un Veterinarais Dienests (Food and Veterinary Service)
LIECHTENSTEIN
Amt für Lebensmittelkontrolle/Landesveterinäramt (Office for Food
Inspection and Veterinary Affairs)
LITHUANIA
Lietuvos Respublikos Valstybinė Maisto Ir Veterinarijos Tarnyba (State
Food and Veterinary Service of the Republic of Lithuania)
LUXEMBOURG
OSQCA: Organisme pour la sécurité et la qualité de la chaîne
alimentaire
MALTA
Food Safety Commission
NETHERLANDS
Voedsel en Waren Autoriteit (Food and Consumer Product Safety
Authority )
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NORWAY
Statens tilsyn for planter, fisk, dyr, og Næringsmidler (Norwegian Food
Safety Authority)
POLAND
Główny Inspektorat Sanitarny (Chief Sanitary Inspectorate)
PORTUGAL
Ministério da Agricultura, Desenvolvimento Rural e Pescas (MADRP)
Ministério da Agricultura, do Mar, do Ambiente e do Ordenamento do
Território (MAMAOT)
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/rapidalert/members_en.htm
Commission Regulation (EU) No 16/2011 lays down implementing rules for the
RASFF to operate correctly. Special attention must be undertaken both for cases where a
serious risk was identified and in relation to other cases where, although a risk of lesser
gravity or urgency was identified, an exchange of information is necessary between and
among the members of the RASFF network.
…..
An alert notification, an information notification and a border rejection notification
are recognized as an original notification. A notification that contains additional
information in relation to original notification is called follow-up notification [Commission
Regulation (EU) No 16/2011, RASFF Preliminary Annual Report 2013]. There are three
main categories of notifications. The first category, the biggest one, concerns controls at the
outer EEA borders in points of entry or border inspection posts when the consignment is not
accepted for import (“border control-consignment detained”) or a sample is taken for
analysis at the border (screening) and the consignment is released (“border-control
consignment released”). The second category of notifications concerns products placed on
the market in one of the member countries including the EEA countries (“official control on
the internal market”). Market notifications include: a consumer complaint, a company
notification as the outcome of its own-check or a food poisoning as the basis of the
notification. The third category of notifications is related to official controls in a nonmember country, when a non-member country informs a RASFF member about a risk
identified during its official controls concerning a product that may be present in the RASFF
member country [RASFF Annual Report 2012]. In 2012, there were five such notifications,
three originated from Canada, two were provided through INFOSAN (International Food
Safety Authorities Network). In 2013, there was only one such notification provided
through INFOSAN.
In Tables 2 and 3, the number of all notifications in the RASFF in 2006−2013 is
presented. The increase in the total number of original notifications was observed in
2006−2011, whereas since 2011, the decrease was noted (Figure 1A, Table 2). This
decrease in 2013 was 8.6% in relation to 2012 and it was mostly due to the significant
decrease in the number of border rejection notifications (−15.9%). Similar tendency can be
seen for follow-up notifications (Figure 1B; Table 3). It may indicate on more effective
border controls in the past, which eliminated dangerous products for consumers and now
that the RASFF fulfill its task and less questionable products enter the territory of the
European Community.
Figure 1. Total number of (A) original notifications and (B) follow-up notifications in 2006−2013.
2
Total number of original notifications
A 4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
20
13
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
20
13
0
Total number of follow-up notifications
B 5500
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Source: Own preparation based on Annual Report 2010; Preliminary Annual Report 2013
Table 3. The number of follow-up notifications in the RASFF (20062013)
Follow-up notifications
Alert
Border
InforInforTotal
Year
notifirejection
mation
mation for
cation
notifinotifiatten-tion
cation
cation
2006
2157
923
640
3720
2007
2440
978
796
4214
2008
1789
743
1329
3861
2009
1848
732
2099
4679
2010
2051
971
2202
5224
2011
2265
1053
421
480
5345
2012
2312
906
74
663
5281
2013
2376
525
1
763
5156
Change 2013/2012
+2.8
+15.1
2.4
42.1
98.6
[%]
*Without notifications which were withdrawn
Source: Own preparation based on Annual Report 2010; Preliminary Annual Report 2013
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1.
Contaminants
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Information for
follow-up
1126
1326
1493
+12.6
The RASFF notifications are mostly related to contaminants that are defined as substances
that may be present in food as a result of food production, transport or holding as well as a
result of environmental contamination. It means that they are not intentionally added to food.
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1.1. Mycotoxins
The adverse effects of mold-infected food or feed have been known for centuries but the
recognition of the chemical nature and the role of mycotoxins as possible carcinogens has
been the subject on intensive studies only since the early 1960s [Shibamoto, Bjeldanes
2009]. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi,
commonly known as molds, mainly by Aspergillus and Fusarium species. Diseases
resulting from the consumption of mycotoxins are called mycotoxicoses.
……
Both, the peanut and cotton seed supplemented feed were contaminated by Aspergillus
flavus mold. The effort was undertaken to isolate the active toxins from the fungus and the
toxins were named aflatoxins [Richard 2007; Schibamoto, Bjeldanes 2009].
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1.1.1. Aflatoxins
……. The structures of aflatoxins are shown in Figure 2. Another hydroxylated metabolite
of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1, is not a contaminant of grains. It was found primarily in
animal tissues and fluids such as milk or urine [Richard 2007, Schibamoto , Bjeldanes 2009].
Figure 2. Structures of aflatoxins
O
O
R
O
O
Aflatoxin
B1
G1
B2
G2
B2a
G2a
O
X
OCH3
R
H
H
H
H
OH
OH
X
CH2
CH2O
CH2CH2
CH2CH2O
CH2CH2
CH2CH2O
Source: Own preparation
The aflatoxins are lipid soluble and considerably stable during cooking or roasting.
They are primarily hepatotoxic and cause liver damage in animals. The International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aflatoxin B1 as carcinogenic to humans
(group 1) [IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans].
……
Source: Own preparation
Because animal and human health problems related to these mycotoxins are almost
exclusively associated with the consumption of contaminated maize or products made from
maize [Bolger et al. 2001; Marasas 2001], European Community regulations for fumonisins
concerns maize and its products. The sum of fumonisin B1 and B2 cannot exceed 200 µg/kg
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in processed maize-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children and 2000
µg/kg in unprocessed maize [Commission Regulation (EU) No 1881/206].
1.1.2. Deoxynivalenol
Deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin or feed refusal toxin due to its strong emetic effects after
consumption; Figure 5) is produced primarily by several molds of the genus Fusarium,
especially by different strains of Fusarium graminearum, a common contaminant of several
grains. It belongs to mycotoxins called trichothecenes of the type B [Richard 2007; CAST
2003]. The major crops affected by DON are corn, wheat, oats and barley. Swine are the
animals most usually affected by this toxin. The level above 1 µg of DON/g of product is
considered harmful to these animals [Richard 2007]. One of the most important
physicochemical property of DON is its heat-stability, which is the risk of its occurrence in
food. DON may cause short-term nausea and vomiting. Other effects include diarrhea,
abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and fever [Sobrova et al. 2010].
…………..
Figure 5. The structure of DON
H
O
OH
O
O
OH
OH
Source: Own preparation
deoksyniwalenol
……..
1.1.3. Mycotoxins in the RASFF notifications
Since 2011, the decrease in the total number of RASFF notifications related to mycotoxins
is observed (Table 6). Contamination of food with aflatoxins and ochratoxin A are the most
frequently notified (Table 7). In 2010−2013, border rejections contributed more than 80% of
all the RASFF notifications concerning mycotoxins. The number of alert and information
for attention was usually similar and was about 710% of the total number of notifications
(Table 6).
Table 6. The number of notifications related to mycotoxins in 20092013
Year
Alert
Border
Information for
Information for
rejection
attention
follow-up
Change in
relation to
previous year
[%]
2009
665
2010
47
586
46
679
+2.1%
2011
64
514
46
7
631
-7.1
2012
38
425
53
9
525
-16.8
2013
78
269
55
3
405
-22.9
Source: Own preparation based on RASFF Annual Report 2012, RASFF Preliminary Annual Report 2013
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Total
Significant decrease in the number of notifications related to aflatoxins is observed
since 2009. The number of notifications for ochratoxin A is much lower than for aflatoxins
and since 2010, the number of notifications is on the similar level (Figure 8 and Figure 8a;
Table 7).
Figure 8. The number of notifications on aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in food and feed in 20022012
1000
Aflatoxins
Total number of notifications
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
0
Source: Own preparation based on RASFF Annual Report 2011, RASFF Annual Report 2012
Figure 8a. The number of notifications on aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in food and feed in 20022012
60
Ochratoxin A
Total number of notifications
50
40
30
20
10
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
0
Source: Own preparation based on RASFF Annual Report 2011, RASFF Annual Report 2012
Most of notifications on mycotoxins were usually related to:
 nuts, nut products and seeds (e.g. 515 in 2009, 204 in 2012),
 fruits and vegetables (e.g. 68 in 2009, 157 in 2012),
 feed (e.g. 9 in 2009, 79 in 2012),
 herb and spices (e.g. 34 in 2009, 37 in 2012),
 cereals and bakery products (e.g. 21 in 2009, 34 in 2012).
These products originated from such countries as India, Argentina, China, Turkey, USA and
Iran [RASFF Annual Report 2009; RASFF Annual Report 2012].
1.2. Heavy metals
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…..
Therefore, the main source of human exposure to heavy metals is contaminated food, and
water. Heavy metals can bind to proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids changing their
functions and causing adverse health effect [Landis, Yu 1999]. Among the many heavy
metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) have been recognized as the most toxic.
Their maximal levels, and also tin (Sn), in food are regulated by the European Commission
[Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 with further amendments]. …..
Mercury compounds cause neuromuscular and neurological defects including loss of
sensation, loss of coordination and hearing, slurred speech (so called Minamata disease).
Pregnant women exposed to methyl mercury gave birth to infants with severe psychomotor
signs of brain damage and cerebral palsy. Later symptoms included progressive deafness,
blindness, lack of coordination and mental deterioration [Shibamoto, Bjeldanes 2009].
…..
1.3. Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds
…..
PCDDs are derivatives of dibenzo-p-dioxin. There are 75 dioxin derivatives (congeners)
differing only in the number and position of chlorine atom. PCDFs are derivatives of
dibenzofuran. There are 135 congeners of PCDF (Figure 9). Toxicity of dioxins and PCBs is
expressed in toxicity equivalent factor (TEF). The most toxic is 2,3,7,8-tertachlorodibenzop-dioxin (TCDD) for which TEF was established as 1.
Figure 9. The structure of PCDD, PCDF and PCB
O
nlC
O
Cln
nlC
Cln
Cln
nlC
O
PCDD
PCDF
PCB
Source: Own preparation
Dioxins and PCBs are toxic due to their (1) irreversible chemical reactivity in
binding to important macromolecules such as DNA, (2) reversible reactivity to specific sites
in receptors and enzymes, and (3) accumulation in lipid-rich cellular components [Landis,
Yu 1999].
They may damage the immune system, interfere with hormones (estrogenic compounds),
cause reproductive and developmental problems, and also cancer. In 1997, based on animal
data and on human epidemiology data, the IARC classified TCDD as known human
carcinogen (1 group) [IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to
Humans]. However, TCDD does not affect genetic material and there is a level of exposure
below which cancer risk would be negligible [WHO 2010].
1.4.
Melamine
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Melamine is aromatic amine having a number of industrial uses, including the production of
melamine resins, laminates, glues, coatings, flame retardants, adhesives, and molding
compounds. Melamine is a name used both for the chemical compound and for the plastic
made from it. Due to the high content of nitrogen, melamine has been illegally added to
food and feed to elevate the level of proteins. In 2008, in China there was a mass poisoning
of children, caused by melamine added to milk powder to overestimate the protein content
in this product. In 2012, there were 3 notifications on the melamine content in dog food.
Melamine can migrate in wet pet food from the can coating at a level above 2.5 mg/kg
relative to a feed with moisture content of 12% but below the Specific Migration Limit
(SML) of 2.5 mg/kg in the wet pet food. EC has established the maximum level of 2.5
mg/kg for canned wet pet food on a ‘as sold’ basis [Commission Regulation (EU) No
107/2013]. In food, the melamine content cannot be higher than 1.0 mg/kg (in powdered
infant formulae and follow-on formulae) and 2.5 mg/kg in other food [Commission
Regulation (EU) No 594/2012].
Conclusion
The RASFF is an important element of consumer protection system in the European Union.
It enables immediate action when danger occurs and allows rapid elimination of hazardous
to health products from the European Union. It also provides a uniform level of food safety
throughout EU territory. Every year, a hundreds of notifications are registered in the RASFF
and appropriate actions are undertaken to protect consumer against dangerous food. The
bases for notifications identified every year are border controls, official controls on the
market and company’s own check. The RASFF notifies also cases of consumer complaint
and cases of food poisoning. A non-member country (the third country) can also inform a
RASFF member about a risk found during official controls concerning food or feed that
may be on the market in one of the member countries. On the other hand, the European
Union must inform a third country if a product subjected to a notification has been exported
to that country. Therefore, the RASFF system can be considered as a global system
informing about a serious health risk derived from food, feed, and food contact materials.
References:
1. Afshar, P., Shokrzadeh, M., Kalhori, S., Babaee, Z., Saeedi Saravi, S.S., 2013, Occurrence of
ochratoxin A and afatoxin M1 in human breast milk in Sari, Iran, Food Control, vol. 31, 525–529.
2. Bolger, M., Coker, R.D., DiNovi, M., Gaylor, D., Gelderblom, W.C.A., Olsen, M., Paster, N., Riley,
R.T., Shephard, G., Speijers, G.J.A., 2001, Fumonisins. Safety Evaluation of Certain Mycotoxins in
Foods, FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 74. World Health Organization, Geneva, pp. 103-279.
3. CAST, 2003, Mycotoxins - risks in plant, animal and human systems, Task Force Report, No. 139.
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa, p. 1–191.
4. Chmielnicka, J., 2002, Toksyczność metal i półmetali (metaloidów) w: Seńczuk, W. (ed.),
Toksykologia Współczesna, Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL, Warszawa, p.360–446.
5. Clark, H.A, Snedeker, S.M., 2006, Ochratoxin A: its cancer risk and potential for exposure, Journal
of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part B, Critical Reviews, 9 (3), 265–296.
doi:10.1080/15287390500195570. PMID 16621780.
6. Commission Regulation (EC) No 16/2011 of 10 January 2011 laying down implementing measures
for the Rapid alert system for food and feed, Journal of the European Union, L 6/7-L 6/10.
7. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for
certain contaminants in foodstuffs, Official Journal of the European Union, L 364/5-L 364/24.
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8. Commission Regulation (EC) No 277/2012 of 28 March 2012 amending Annexes I and II to
Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum levels
and action thresholds for dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, Journal of the European Union, L
91/1-L 91/7.
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mgr Jan Kowalski
Poznań University of Economics
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