Purpose

The purpose of this notice is to advise brokers and importers of processed ready-to-eat finfish about upcoming changes to the inspection and analysis of these foods, including new Listeria monocytogenes requirements for these foods. Examples of processed ready-to-eat finfish include dried fish, smoked salmon and vacuum-packed fish that are ready to eat.

What has changed?

From 2 November 2016, there will be changes to the inspection and analysis of processed ready-to-eat finfish.

These changes will mean some kinds of processed ready-to-eat finfish will no longer be inspected and analysed as a risk food. For example, dried fish, pickled fish and salted fish will no longer be inspected and analysed as a risk food.

The changes will also mean that different standards and clearance requirements will apply for Listeria monocytogenes in processed ready-to-eat finfish. These standards and clearance requirements will depend on whether the processed ready-to-eat finfish is a food in which the growth of Listeria monocytogenes can occur according to the department’s criteria.

To determine which standards and clearance limits to apply, brokers will be asked two new lodgement questions about whether the processed ready-to-eat finfish is a food in which the growth of Listeria monocytogenes can occur. These questions must be answered on the basis of the department’s criteria for whether the food is a food in which the growth of Listeria monocytogenes can occur.

To enable brokers to answer the lodgement questions correctly, further details of these changes are published on the Tests applied to risk food webpage, including the department’s criteria for whether the processed ready-to-eat finfish is a food in which the growth of Listeria monocytogenes can occur.

Important next steps

The department recommends that brokers and importers read these new requirements so that they can be prepared for the new requirements that apply from 2 November 2016, and ensure their food is assessed against the correct standard.

The department expects that importers will be able to answer the new lodgement questions with information already available from manufacturers or suppliers.

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/food/notices/ifn-15-16