FSA News Item, 31 May 2013
A new industry guide to good hygiene practice for whitefish processors is available to order from The Stationery Office (TSO). Produced by the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association, on behalf of industry, the guide aims to help processors to comply with food safety and hygiene law. The guide is recognised by the Food Standards Agency.
What the guide provides
The guide, which can be purchased via the link to the right, provides advice on achieving best practice concerning the quality of fish purchased and its maintenance during processing, packaging and dispatch. In addition, it covers the requirements applicable to the processing of white fish, including filleting, smoking and freezing.
The guide sets out the means by which the white fish processor can comply with Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs, and Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 laying down specific rules for food of animal origin.
Use of the guide is voluntary
The use of the guide is voluntary. There is no legal requirement for food businesses to follow the advice contained in it. Businesses may demonstrate compliance with the hygiene legislation in other ways. However, where a food business operator is following the guidance in a recognised industry guide, such as this one, the enforcement authority must take this into account when assessing compliance with the legislation.
The following lists the Guides currently available from The Stationary Office (TSO):