Questions and Answers: Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)

Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)
Launched in 1979, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is primarily an IT tool designed to swiftly exchange information between national authorities on health risks related to food and feed.

A member country of the network that identifies a health hazard informs the rest of the system's network on the product concerned and the measures taken to address the risk. Measures include: withholding, recalling, seizing or rejecting products. This rapid exchange of information allows all RASFF members to check in real time whether they are also affected and if urgent action is needed. The authorities of affected countries have the responsibility to take the necessary emergency measures, including giving direct information to the public, withdrawing products from the market, and making controls on the ground.In the context of the scare concerning poultry and, in particular, eggs by the use of the poisonous insecticide Fipronil in a number of European countries during August 2017 the European Commission issued a Fact Sheet providing information concerning the EU's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

ESO: Key source: Food safety http://www.europeansources.info/record/food-safety-2/

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