RMI Competent Authority (CA)
Stakeholder Session Focuses on Compliance with EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 and HACCP
The Competent Authority (CA) recently hosted a critical stakeholder meeting and training session with key industry partners—including representatives from PPF, Koos, MIFV, PITP, and PII—to review regulatory updates and strengthen compliance across the seafood supply chain. Technical support was provided by Mr. Jope Tamani (FFA Market Access Advisor) and Ms. Cushla Hogarth (World Bank Food Safety Expert Consultant).
The session centered on ensuring industry readiness for EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 and HACCP, which introduces updated hygiene rules and strict temperature monitoring controls for fishery products.
Key Highlights & Compliance Requirements
- Strict Core Temperature Limits: Tuna intended for direct human consumption (such as fresh, raw, or loin markets) must be frozen to a core temperature of or lower. Whole fish frozen in brine at must be strictly designated for canning, regardless of subsequent freezing.
- Real-Time Digital Temperature Tracking: Operators must equip freezer vessels with certified electronic systems that continuously record brine temperatures and allow real-time onshore monitoring by operators and authorities.
- Validation & Authorization Plans: Food business operators must maintain validated vessel freezing capacity plans, which the Competent Authority must verify prior to listing vessels for export to the European Union.
- Reinforced HACCP Protocols: Discussions emphasized aligning Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) monitoring and vessel logsheets to prevent critical temperature deviations and histamine formation during harvest and handling.
Looking Ahead
This collaborative session underscores the ongoing commitment between regulatory authorities and commercial partners to safeguard food safety, prevent non-compliance, and ensure industry partners maintain seamless market access to international markets.