RASFF
EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed
RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) is the EU's rapid information exchange system for food safety risks. It enables national authorities and the European Commission to quickly share information about hazards in food, feed, and food contact materials.
RASFF notifications fall into categories: - **Alert notifications**: serious risk requiring immediate action. - **Border rejection notifications**: products denied entry at EU borders. - **Information notifications**: lower-priority issues, for awareness. - **Information for follow-up**: requires action but not immediate.
For Egyptian food exports, RASFF notifications are a major reputational and commercial risk. Common issues triggering notifications: - Pesticide residues exceeding EU MRLs (especially mangoes, peppers, strawberries). - Salmonella contamination (sesame, herbs, spices). - Aflatoxin contamination (peanuts, dried fruits, spices). - Foreign body contamination (metal, plastic, glass). - Mycotoxins in grains and dried products.
When a country's products are repeatedly notified, the EU may impose increased control rates (5%, 10%, 20%, 50% of all consignments tested) under Regulation 669/2009. This adds delays and costs to all exporters from that country, regardless of individual compliance.
FoodGate Audit helps Egyptian exporters minimize RASFF risk via pre-shipment testing, supplier verification, and HACCP compliance audits.