Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs
Date: 2004-04-29
Institutions: Council of the European Union, European Parliament
Subjects: food hygiene, food inspection, foodstuff

30.4.2004 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 139/1 

I 

(Acts whose publication is obligatory) 

REGULATION (EC) No 852/2004 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 

AND OF THE COUNCIL 

of 29 April 2004 

on the hygiene of foodstuffs 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 95 

and 152(4)(b) thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission 1, 

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee 2, 

Having consulted the Committee of the Regions, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty 3, 

1 
2 
3 

OJ C 365 E, 19.12.2000, p. 43. 
OJ C 155, 29.5.2001, p. 39. 
Opinion of the European Parliament of 15 May 2002 (OJ C 180 E, 31.7.2003, p. 267), 
Council Common Position of 27 October 2003 (OJ C 48 E, 24.2.2004, p. 1), Position of the 
European Parliament of 30 March 2004 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and 
Council Decision of 16 April 2004. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Whereas: 

(1)  The pursuit of a high level of protection of human life and health is one of the fundamental 

objectives of food law, as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 1.  That Regulation also 

lays down other common principles and definitions for national and Community food law, 

including the aim of achieving free movement of food within the Community. 

(2)  Council Directive 93/43/EEC of 14 June 1993 on the hygiene of foodstuffs 2 laid down the 

general rules of hygiene for foodstuffs and the procedures for verification of compliance with 

these rules. 

(3)  Experience has shown that these rules and procedures constitute a sound basis for ensuring 

food safety.  In the context of the common agricultural policy, many Directives have been 

adopted to establish specific health rules for the production and placing on the market of the 

products listed in Annex I to the Treaty.  These health rules have reduced trade barriers for the 

products concerned, contributing to the creation of the internal market while ensuring a high 

level of protection of public health. 

(4)  With regard to public health, these rules and procedures contain common principles, in 

particular in relation to the manufacturers' and competent authorities' responsibilities, 

structural, operational and hygiene requirements for establishments, procedures for the 

approval of establishments, requirements for storage and transport and health marks. 

1 

2 

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, 
establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of 
food safety (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1).  Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) 
No 1642/2003 (OJ L 245, 29.9.2003, p. 4). 
OJ L 175, 19.7.1993, p. 1.  Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the 
European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1). 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
                                                 
(5)  These principles constitute a common basis for the hygienic production of all food, including 

products of animal origin listed in Annex I to the Treaty. 

(6) 

In addition to this common basis, specific hygiene rules are necessary for certain foodstuffs.  

Regulation (EC) No          /2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
of ................. laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin 1 lays down these 

rules. 

(7)  The principal objective of the new general and specific hygiene rules is to ensure a high level 

of consumer protection with regard to food safety. 

(8)  An integrated approach is necessary to ensure food safety from the place of primary 

production up to and including placing on the market or export.  Every food business operator 

along the food chain should ensure that food safety is not compromised. 

(9)  Community rules should not apply either to primary production for private domestic use, or to 

the domestic preparation, handling or storage of food for private domestic consumption.  

Moreover, they should apply only to undertakings, the concept of which implies a certain 

continuity of activities and a certain degree of organisation. 

1 

See page    of this Official Journal. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
(10)  Food hazards present at the level of primary production should be identified and adequately 

controlled to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation.  However, in the 

case of the direct supply of small quantities of primary products, by the food business 

operator producing them, to the final consumer or to a local retail establishment, it is 

appropriate to protect public health through national law, in particular because of the close 

relationship between the producer and the consumer. 

(11)  The application of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) principles to primary 

production is not yet generally feasible.  However, guides to good practice should encourage 

the use of appropriate hygiene practices at farm level.  Where necessary, specific hygiene 

rules for primary production should supplement these guides.  It is appropriate for the hygiene 

requirements applicable to primary production and associated operations to differ from those 

for other operations. 

(12)  Food safety is a result of several factors: legislation should lay down minimum hygiene 

requirements; official controls should be in place to check food business operators' 

compliance and food business operators should establish and operate food safety programmes 

and procedures based on the HACCP principles. 

(13)  Successful implementation of the procedures based on the HACCP principles will require the 

full cooperation and commitment of food business employees.  To this end, employees should 

undergo training.  The HACCP system is an instrument to help food business operators attain 

a higher standard of food safety.  The HACCP system should not be regarded as a method of 

self-regulation and should not replace official controls. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
(14)  While the requirement of establishing procedures based on the HACCP principles should not 

initially apply to primary production, the feasibility of its extension will be one element of the 

review that the Commission will carry out following implementation of this Regulation.  It is, 

however, appropriate for Member States to encourage operators at the level of primary 

production to apply such principles as far as possible. 

(15)  The HACCP requirements should take account of the principles contained in the Codex 

Alimentarius.  They should provide sufficient flexibility to be applicable in all situations, 

including in small businesses.  In particular, it is necessary to recognise that, in certain food 

businesses, it is not possible to identify critical control points and that, in some cases, good 

hygienic practices can replace the monitoring of critical control points.  Similarly, the 

requirement of establishing "critical limits" does not imply that it is necessary to fix a 

numerical limit in every case.  In addition, the requirement of retaining documents needs to be 

flexible in order to avoid undue burdens for very small businesses. 

(16)  Flexibility is also appropriate to enable the continued use of traditional methods at any of the 

stages of production, processing or distribution of food and in relation to structural 

requirements for establishments.  Flexibility is particularly important for regions that are 

subject to special geographical constraints, including the outermost regions referred to in 

Article 299(2) of the Treaty.  However, flexibility should not compromise food hygiene 

objectives.  Moreover, since all food produced in accordance with the hygiene rules will be in 

free circulation throughout the Community, the procedure allowing Member States to exercise 

flexibility should be fully transparent.  It should provide, where necessary to resolve 

disagreements, for discussion within the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and 

Animal Health established by Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
(17)  The setting of objectives such as pathogen reduction targets or performance standards may 

guide the implementation of hygiene rules.  It is therefore necessary to provide procedures for 

that purpose.  Such objectives would supplement existing food law, such as Council 

Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 of 8 February 1993 laying down Community procedures for 
contaminants in food 1, which provides for the establishment of maximum tolerances for 

specific contaminants, and Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, which prohibits the placing on the 

market of unsafe food and provides a uniform basis for the use of the precautionary principle. 

(18)  To take account of technical and scientific progress, close and effective cooperation should be 

ensured between the Commission and the Member States within the Standing Committee on 

the Food Chain and Animal Health.  This Regulation takes account of international 

obligations laid down in the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and the 

international food safety standards contained in the Codex Alimentarius. 

(19)  The registration of establishments and the cooperation of food business operators are 

necessary to allow the competent authorities to perform official controls efficiently. 

(20)  The traceability of food and food ingredients along the food chain is an essential element in 

ensuring food safety.  Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 contains rules to ensure the traceability 

of food and food ingredients and provides a procedure for the adoption of implementing rules 

to apply these principles in respect of specific sectors. 

1 

OJ L 37, 13.2.1993, p. 1.  Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
                                                 
(21)  Food imported into the Community is to comply with the general requirements laid down in 

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 or satisfy rules that are equivalent to Community rules.  The 

present Regulation defines certain specific hygiene requirements for food imported into the 

Community. 

(22)  Food exported to third countries from the Community is to comply with the general 

requirements laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.  The present Regulation defines 

certain specific hygiene requirements for food exported from the Community. 

(23)  Scientific advice should underpin Community legislation on food hygiene.  To this end, 

the European Food Safety Authority should be consulted whenever necessary. 

(24)  Since this Regulation replaces Directive 93/43/EEC, the latter should be repealed.  

(25)  The requirements of this Regulation should not apply until all parts of the new legislation on 

food hygiene have entered into force.  It is also appropriate to provide for at least 18 months 

to elapse between entry into force and the application of the new rules, to allow the affected 

industries time to adapt. 

(26)  The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in 

accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures 
for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission 1,  

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 

1 

OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
CHAPTER I 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Article 1 

Scope 

1.   This Regulation lays down general rules for food business operators on the hygiene of 

foodstuffs, taking particular account of the following principles: 

(a) 

primary responsibility for food safety rests with the food business operator; 

(b) 

it is necessary to ensure food safety throughout the food chain, starting with primary 

production; 

(c) 

it is important, for food that cannot be stored safely at ambient temperatures, particularly 

frozen food, to maintain the cold chain; 

(d)  general implementation of procedures based on the HACCP principles, together with the 

application of good hygiene practice, should reinforce food business operators' responsibility; 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(e) 

guides to good practice are a valuable instrument to aid food business operators at all levels of 

the food chain with compliance with food hygiene rules and with the application of 

the HACCP principles; 

(f) 

it is necessary to establish microbiological criteria and temperature control requirements 

based on a scientific risk assessment; 

(g) 

it is necessary to ensure that imported foods are of at least the same hygiene standard as food 

produced in the Community, or are of an equivalent standard. 

This Regulation shall apply to all stages of production, processing and distribution of food and to 

exports, and without prejudice to more specific requirements relating to food hygiene. 

2.   This Regulation shall not apply to: 

(a) 

primary production for private domestic use; 

(b) 

the domestic preparation, handling or storage of food for private domestic consumption; 

(c) 

the direct supply, by the producer, of small quantities of primary products to the final 

consumer or to local retail establishments directly supplying the final consumer; 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d) 

collection centres and tanneries which fall within the definition of food business only because 

they handle raw material for the production of gelatine or collagen. 

3.   Member States shall establish, under national law, rules governing the activities referred to in 

paragraph 2(c).  Such national rules shall ensure the achievement of the objectives of this 

Regulation. 

Article 2 

Definitions 

1. 

For the purposes of this Regulation: 

(a) 

"food hygiene", hereinafter called "hygiene", means the measures and conditions necessary to 

control hazards and to ensure fitness for human consumption of a foodstuff taking into 

account its intended use; 

(b) 

"primary products" means products of primary production including products of the soil, of 

stock farming, of hunting and fishing; 

(c) 

"establishment" means any unit of a food business; 

(d) 

"competent authority" means the central authority of a Member State competent to ensure 

compliance with the requirements of this Regulation or any other authority to which that 

central authority has delegated that competence; it shall also include, where appropriate, the 

corresponding authority of a third country; 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(e) 

"equivalent" means, in respect of different systems, capable of meeting the same objectives; 

(f) 

"contamination" means the presence or introduction of a hazard; 

(g) 

"potable water" means water meeting the minimum requirements laid down in 

Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human 
consumption 1; 

(h) 

"clean seawater" means natural, artificial or purified seawater or brackish water that does not 

contain micro-organisms, harmful substances or toxic marine plankton in quantities capable 

of directly or indirectly affecting the health quality of food; 

(i) 

"clean water" means clean seawater and fresh water of a similar quality; 

(j) 

"wrapping" means the placing of a foodstuff in a wrapper or container in direct contact with 

the foodstuff concerned, and the wrapper or container itself; 

(k) 

"packaging" means the placing of one or more wrapped foodstuffs in a second container, and 

the latter container itself; 

(l) 

"hermetically sealed container" means a container that is designed and intended to be secure 

against the entry of hazards; 

1  

OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32.  Directive as modified by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
(m)  "processing" means any action that substantially alters the initial product, including heating, 

smoking, curing, maturing, drying, marinating, extraction, extrusion or a combination of those 

processes; 

(n) 

"unprocessed products" means foodstuffs that have not undergone processing, and includes 

products that have been divided, parted, severed, sliced, boned, minced, skinned, ground, cut, 

cleaned, trimmed, husked, milled, chilled, frozen, deep-frozen or thawed; 

(o) 

"processed products" means foodstuffs resulting from the processing of unprocessed products.  

These products may contain ingredients that are necessary for their manufacture or to give 

them specific characteristics. 

2.   The definitions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 shall also apply. 

3.   In the Annexes to this Regulation the terms "where necessary", "where appropriate", "adequate" 

and "sufficient" shall mean respectively where necessary, where appropriate, adequate or sufficient 

to achieve the objectives of this Regulation. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER II 

FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS' OBLIGATIONS 

Article 3 

General obligation 

Food business operators shall ensure that all stages of production, processing and distribution of 

food under their control satisfy the relevant hygiene requirements laid down in this Regulation. 

Article 4 

General and specific hygiene requirements 

1.   Food business operators carrying out primary production and those associated operations listed 

in Annex I shall comply with the general hygiene provisions laid down in Part A of Annex I and 
any specific requirements provided for in Regulation (EC) No ....../2004 *. 

2.   Food business operators carrying out any stage of production, processing and distribution of 

food after those stages to which paragraph 1 applies shall comply with the general hygiene 

requirements laid down in Annex II and any specific requirements provided for in Regulation (EC) 
No ....../2004 *. 

* 

Note to Official Journal: insert No of Regulation laying down specific hygiene rules for food 
of animal origin.  

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
 
3.   Food business operators shall, as appropriate, adopt the following specific hygiene measures: 

(a) 

compliance with microbiological criteria for foodstuffs; 

(b)  procedures necessary to meet targets set to achieve the objectives of this Regulation; 

(c) 

compliance with temperature control requirements for foodstuffs; 

(d)  maintenance of the cold chain; 

(e) 

sampling and analysis. 

4.   The criteria, requirements and targets referred to in paragraph 3 shall be adopted in accordance 

with the procedure referred to in Article 14(2). 

Associated sampling and analysis methods shall be laid down in accordance with the same 

procedure. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.   When this Regulation, Regulation (EC) No ....../2004 * and their implementing measures do not 

specify sampling or analysis methods, food business operators may use appropriate methods laid 

down in other Community or national legislation or, in the absence of such methods, methods that 

offer equivalent results to those obtained using the reference method, if they are scientifically 

validated in accordance with internationally recognised rules or protocols. 

6.   Food business operators may use the guides provided for in Articles 7, 8 and 9 as an aid to 

compliance with their obligations under this Regulation. 

Article 5 

Hazard analysis and critical control points 

1.   Food business operators shall put in place, implement and maintain a permanent procedure or 

procedures based on the HACCP principles. 

2.   The HACCP principles referred to in paragraph 1 consist of the following: 

(a) 

identifying any hazards that must be prevented, eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels; 

(b) 

identifying the critical control points at the step or steps at which control is essential to 

prevent or eliminate a hazard or to reduce it to acceptable levels; 

* 

Note to Official Journal: insert number of Regulation laying down specific hygiene rules for 
food of animal origin.  

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
(c) 

establishing critical limits at critical control points which separate acceptability from 

unacceptability for the prevention, elimination or reduction of identified hazards; 

(d) 

establishing and implementing effective monitoring procedures at critical control points; 

(e) 

establishing corrective actions when monitoring indicates that a critical control point is not 

under control; 

(f) 

establishing procedures, which shall be carried out regularly, to verify that the measures 

outlined in subparagraphs (a) to (e) are working effectively; and 

(g) 

establishing documents and records commensurate with the nature and size of the food 

business to demonstrate the effective application of the measures outlined in 

subparagraphs (a) to (f). 

When any modification is made in the product, process, or any step, food business operators shall 

review the procedure and make the necessary changes to it. 

3.   Paragraph 1 shall apply only to food business operators carrying out any stage of production, 

processing and distribution of food after primary production and those associated operations listed 

in Annex I. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.  Food business operators shall: 

(a) 

provide the competent authority with evidence of their compliance with paragraph 1 in the 

manner that the competent authority requires, taking account of the nature and size of the 

food business; 

(b) 

ensure that any documents describing the procedures developed in accordance with this 

Article are up-to-date at all times; 

(c) 

retain any other documents and records for an appropriate period. 

5.   Detailed arrangements for the implementation of this Article may be laid down in accordance 

with the procedure referred to in Article 14(2).  Such arrangements may facilitate the 

implementation of this Article by certain food business operators, in particular by providing for the 

use of procedures set out in guides for the application of HACCP principles, in order to comply 

with paragraph 1.  Such arrangements may also specify the period during which food business 

operators shall retain documents and records in accordance with paragraph 4(c). 

Article 6 

Official controls, registration and approval 

1.   Food business operators shall cooperate with the competent authorities in accordance with other 

applicable Community legislation or, if it does not exist, with national law. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.   In particular, every food business operator shall notify the appropriate competent authority, in 

the manner that the latter requires, of each establishment under its control that carries out any of the 

stages of production, processing and distribution of food, with a view to the registration of each 

such establishment. 

Food business operators shall also ensure that the competent authority always has up-to-date 

information on establishments, including by notifying any significant change in activities and any 

closure of an existing establishment. 

3.   However, food business operators shall ensure that establishments are approved by the 

competent authority, following at least one on-site visit, when approval is required: 

(a) 

under the national law of the Member State in which the establishment is located; 

(b)  under Regulation (EC) No ....../2004 *; or 

(c) 

by a decision adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 14(2). 

Any Member State requiring the approval of certain establishments located on its territory under 

national law, as provided for in subparagraph (a), shall inform the Commission and other 

Member States of the relevant national rules. 

*  

Note to Official Journal: insert number of Regulation laying down specific hygiene rules for 
food of animal origin.  

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
CHAPTER III 

GUIDES TO GOOD PRACTICE 

Article 7 

Development, dissemination and use of guides 

Member States shall encourage the development of national guides to good practice for hygiene and 

for the application of HACCP principles in accordance with Article 8.  Community guides shall be 

developed in accordance with Article 9. 

The dissemination and use of both national and Community guides shall be encouraged.  

Nevertheless, food business operators may use these guides on a voluntary basis. 

Article  8 

National guides 

1.   When national guides to good practice are developed, they shall be developed and disseminated 

by food business sectors: 

(a) 

in consultation with representatives of parties whose interests may be substantially affected, 

such as competent authorities and consumer groups;  

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)  having regard to relevant codes of practice of the Codex Alimentarius; and 

(c)  when they concern primary production and those associated operations listed in Annex I, 

having regard to the recommendations set out in Part B of Annex I. 

2.   National guides may be developed under the aegis of a national standards institute referred to in 
Annex II to Directive 98/34/EC 1. 

3.   Member States shall assess national guides in order to ensure that: 

(a) 

they have been developed in accordance with paragraph 1; 

(b) 

their contents are practicable for the sectors to which they refer; and 

(c) 

they are suitable as guides to compliance with Articles 3, 4 and 5 in the sectors and for the 

foodstuffs covered. 

4.   Member States shall forward to the Commission national guides complying with the 

requirements of paragraph 3.  The Commission shall set up and run a registration system for such 

guides and make it available to Member States. 

5.   Guides to good practice drawn up under Directive 93/43/EEC shall continue to apply after the 

entry into force of this Regulation, provided that they are compatible with its objectives. 

1 

Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying 
down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and 
regulations (OJ L 204, 21.7.1998, p. 37).  Directive as amended by Directive 98/48/EC 
(OJ L 217, 5.8.1998, p. 18). 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Article 9 

Community guides 

1.   Before Community guides to good practice for hygiene or for the application of the HACCP 

principles are developed, the Commission shall consult the Committee referred to in Article 14.  

The objective of this consultation shall be to consider the case for such guides, their scope and 

subject matter. 

2.   When Community guides are prepared, the Commission shall ensure that they are developed 

and disseminated: 

(a) 

by or in consultation with appropriate representatives of European food business sectors, 

including SMEs, and other interested parties, such as consumer groups; 

(b) 

in collaboration with parties whose interests may be substantially affected, 

including competent authorities; 

(c) 

having regard to relevant codes of practice of the Codex Alimentarius; and 

(d)  when they concern primary production and those associated operations listed in Annex I, 

having regard to the recommendations set out in Part B of Annex I. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.   The Committee referred to in Article 14 shall assess draft Community guides in order to ensure 

that: 

(a) 

they have been developed in accordance with paragraph 2; 

(b) 

their contents are practicable for the sectors to which they refer throughout the Community; 

and 

(c) 

they are suitable as guides to compliance with Articles 3, 4 and 5 in the sectors and for the 

foodstuffs covered. 

4.   The Commission shall invite the Committee referred to in Article 14 periodically to review any 

Community guides prepared in accordance with this Article, in cooperation with the bodies 

mentioned in paragraph 2.   

The aim of this review shall be to ensure that the guides remain practicable and to take account of 

technological and scientific developments. 

5.   The titles and references of Community guides prepared in accordance with this Article shall be 

published in the C series of the Official Journal of the European Union. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER IV 

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS 

Article 10 

Imports 

As regards the hygiene of imported food, the relevant requirements of food law referred to in 

Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 shall include the requirements laid down in Articles 3 

to 6 of this Regulation. 

Article 11 

Exports 

As regards the hygiene of exported or re-exported food, the relevant requirements of food law 

referred to in Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 shall include the requirements laid down 

in Articles 3 to 6 of this Regulation. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER V 

FINAL PROVISIONS 

Article 12 

Implementing measures and transitional arrangements 

Implementing measures and transitional arrangements may be laid down in accordance with the 

procedure referred to in Article 14(2). 

Article 13 

Amendment and adaptation of Annexes I and II 

1.   Annexes I and II may be adapted or updated in accordance with the procedure referred to in 

Article 14(2), taking into account: 

(a) 

the need to revise the recommendations set out in Annex I, Part B, paragraph 2; 

(b) 

the experience gained from the implementation of HACCP-based systems pursuant to 

Article 5; 

(c) 

technological developments and their practical consequences and consumer expectations with 

regard to food composition; 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d) 

scientific advice, particularly new risk assessments;  

(e)  microbiological and temperature criteria for foodstuffs. 

2.   Derogations from Annexes I and II may be granted, in particular in order to facilitate the 

implementation of Article 5 for small businesses, in accordance with the procedure referred to in 

Article 14(2), taking into account the relevant risk factors, provided that such derogations do not 

affect the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation. 

3.   Member States may, without compromising achievement of the objectives of this Regulation, 

adopt, in accordance with paragraphs 4 to 7 of this Article, national measures adapting the 

requirements laid down in Annex II. 

4.(a)  The national measures referred to in paragraph 3 shall have the aim of: 

(i) 

enabling the continued use of traditional methods, at any of the stages of 

production, processing or distribution of food; or 

(ii) 

accommodating the needs of food businesses situated in regions that are subject to 

special geographical constraints. 

   (b)  In other cases, they shall apply only to the construction, layout and equipment of 

establishments. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.   Any Member State wishing to adopt national measures as referred to in paragraph 3 shall notify 

the Commission and other Member States.  The notification shall: 

(a) 

provide a detailed description of the requirements that that Member State considers need to be 

adapted and the nature of the adaptation sought; 

(b)  describe the foodstuffs and establishments concerned; 

(c) 

explain the reasons for the adaptation, including, where relevant, by providing a summary of 

the hazard analysis carried out and any measures to be taken to ensure that the adaptation will 

not compromise the objectives of this Regulation; and 

(d)  give any other relevant information. 

6.   The other Member States shall have three months from the receipt of a notification referred to in 

paragraph 5 to send written comments to the Commission.  In the case of the adaptations arising 

from paragraph 4(b), this period shall, at the request of any Member State, be extended to four 

months.  The Commission may, and when it receives written comments from one or more 

Member States shall, consult Member States within the committee referred to in Article 14(1).  

The Commission may decide, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 14(2), whether 

the envisaged measures may be implemented, subject, if necessary, to appropriate amendments.  

Where appropriate, the Commission may propose general measures in accordance with paragraph 1 

or 2. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.   A Member State may adopt national measures adapting the requirements of Annex II only: 

(a) 

in compliance with a decision adopted in accordance with paragraph 6; or 

(b) 

if, one month after the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 6, the Commission has not 

informed Member States that it has received written comments or that it intends to propose 

the adoption of a decision in accordance with paragraph 6. 

Article 14 

Committee procedure 

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and 

Animal Health. 

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall 

apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. 

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months. 

3.   The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Article 15 

Consultation of the European Food Safety Authority 

The Commission shall consult the European Food Safety Authority on any matter falling within the 

scope of this Regulation that could have a significant impact on public health and, in particular, 

before proposing criteria, requirements or targets in accordance with Article 4(4). 

Article 16 

Report to the European Parliament and the Council 

1.   The Commission shall, not later than .......... *, submit a report to the European Parliament and 

the Council. 

2.   The report shall, in particular, review the experience gained from the application of this 

Regulation and consider whether it would be desirable and practicable to provide for the extension 

of the requirements of Article 5 to food business operators carrying out primary production and 

those associated operations listed in Annex I. 

3.   The Commission shall, if appropriate, accompany the report with relevant proposals. 

*  

Five years after the entry into force of this Regulation. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Article 17 

Repeal 

1.   Directive 93/43/EEC shall be repealed with effect from the date of application of this 

Regulation. 

2.   References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as being made to this Regulation. 

3.   However, decisions adopted pursuant to Articles 3(3) and 10 of Directive 93/43/EEC shall 

remain in force pending their replacement by decisions adopted in accordance with this Regulation 

or Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.  Pending the setting of the criteria or requirements referred to in 

Article 4(3), points (a) to (e) of this Regulation, Member States may maintain any national rules 

establishing such criteria or requirements that they had adopted in accordance with 

Directive 93/43/EEC. 

4.   Pending the application of new Community legislation laying down rules for official controls on 

food, Member States shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the fulfilment of the obligations 

laid down in or under this Regulation. 

Article 18 

Entry into force 

This Regulation shall enter into force twenty days after the date of its publication in the Official 

Journal of the European Union. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It shall apply 18 months after the date on which all of the following acts have entered into force: 

(a) 

Regulation (EC) No .../2004 *; 

(b) 

Regulation (EC) No .../2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ......... laying 

down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin 
intended for human consumption 1; and 

(c) 

Directive 2004/41/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of .......... repealing 

certain Directives concerning food hygiene and health conditions for the production and 

placing on the market of certain products of animal origin intended for human 
consumption 2. 

However, it shall apply no earlier than 1 January 2006. 

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 

Done at Strasbourg, 29 April 2004. 

For the European Parliament 

The President 

       P. COX 

For the Council 

The President 

     M. McDOWELL 

*  

1  
2  

Note to Official Journal: insert number of Regulation laying down specific hygiene rules for 
food of animal origin. 
See p.     of this Official Journal. 
See p.     of this Official Journal. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
 
PRIMARY PRODUCTION 

ANNEX I 

PART A:  GENERAL HYGIENE PROVISIONS FOR PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND 

ASSOCIATED OPERATIONS 

I. 

SCOPE 

1. 

This Annex applies to primary production and the following associated operations: 

(a) 

the transport, storage and handling of primary products at the place of production, 

provided that this does not substantially alter their nature; 

(b) 

the transport of live animals, where this is necessary to achieve the objectives of this 

Regulation; and 

(c) 

in the case of products of plant origin, fishery products and wild game, transport 

operations to deliver primary products, the nature of which has not been substantially 

altered, from the place of production to an establishment. 

II.  HYGIENE PROVISIONS 

2.  As far as possible, food business operators are to ensure that primary products are protected 

against contamination, having regard to any processing that primary products will 

subsequently undergo. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.  Notwithstanding the general duty laid down in paragraph 2, food business operators are to 

comply with appropriate Community and national legislative provisions relating to the control 

of hazards in primary production and associated operations, including: 

(a)  measures to control contamination arising from the air, soil, water, feed, fertilisers, 

veterinary medicinal products, plant protection products and biocides and the storage, 

handling and disposal of waste; and 

(b)  measures relating to animal health and welfare and plant health that have implications 

for human health, including programmes for the monitoring and control of zoonoses and 

zoonotic agents. 

4. 

Food business operators rearing, harvesting or hunting animals or producing primary products 

of animal origin are to take adequate measures, as appropriate: 

(a) 

to keep any facilities used in connection with primary production and associated 

operations, including facilities used to store and handle feed, clean and, where necessary 

after cleaning, to disinfect them in an appropriate manner; 

(b) 

to keep clean and, where necessary after cleaning, to disinfect, in an appropriate 

manner, equipment, containers, crates, vehicles and vessels; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) 

as far as possible to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter and, where 

necessary, production animals; 

(d) 

to use potable water, or clean water, whenever necessary to prevent contamination; 

(e) 

to ensure that staff handling foodstuffs are in good health and undergo training on health 

risks; 

(f) 

as far as possible to prevent animals and pests from causing contamination; 

(g) 

to store and handle waste and hazardous substances so as to prevent contamination; 

(h) 

to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases transmissible to humans 

through food, including by taking precautionary measures when introducing new 

animals and reporting suspected outbreaks of such diseases to the competent authority; 

(i) 

to take account of the results of any relevant analyses carried out on samples taken from 

animals or other samples that have importance to human health; and 

(j) 

to use feed additives and veterinary medicinal products correctly, as required by the 

relevant legislation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. 

Food business operators producing or harvesting plant products are to take adequate 

measures, as appropriate: 

(a) 

to keep clean and, where necessary after cleaning, to disinfect, in an appropriate 

manner, facilities, equipment, containers, crates, vehicles and vessels; 

(b) 

to ensure, where necessary, hygienic production, transport and storage conditions for, 

and the cleanliness of, plant products; 

(c) 

to use potable water, or clean water, whenever necessary to prevent contamination; 

(d) 

to ensure that staff handling foodstuffs are in good health and undergo training on health 

risks; 

(e) 

as far as possible to prevent animals and pests from causing contamination; 

(f) 

to store and handle wastes and hazardous substances so as to prevent contamination; 

(g) 

to take account of the results of any relevant analyses carried out on samples taken from 

plants or other samples that have importance to human health; and 

(h) 

to use plant protection products and biocides correctly, as required by the relevant 

legislation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

Food business operators are to take appropriate remedial action when informed of problems 

identified during official controls. 

III.  RECORD-KEEPING 

7. 

Food business operators are to keep and retain records relating to measures put in place to 

control hazards in an appropriate manner and for an appropriate period, commensurate with 

the nature and size of the food business.  Food business operators are to make relevant 

information contained in these records available to the competent authority and receiving food 

business operators on request. 

8. 

Food business operators rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are, 

in particular, to keep records on: 

(a) 

the nature and origin of feed fed to the animals; 

(b)  veterinary medicinal products or other treatments administered to the animals, dates of 

administration and withdrawal periods; 

(c) 

the occurrence of diseases that may affect the safety of products of animal origin; 

(d) 

the results of any analyses carried out on samples taken from animals or other samples 

taken for diagnostic purposes, that have importance for human health; and 

(e) 

any relevant reports on checks carried out on animals or products of animal origin. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. 

Food business operators producing or harvesting plant products are, in particular, to keep 

records on: 

(a) 

any use of plant protection products and biocides; 

(b) 

any occurrence of pests or diseases that may affect the safety of products of plant origin; 

and 

(c) 

the results of any relevant analyses carried out on samples taken from plants or other 

samples that have importance to human health. 

10.  The food business operators may be assisted by other persons, such as veterinarians, 

agronomists and farm technicians, with the keeping of records. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART B:  RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GUIDES TO GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICE 

1.  National and Community guides referred to in Articles 7 to 9 of this Regulation should 

contain guidance on good hygiene practice for the control of hazards in primary production 

and associated operations. 

2.  Guides to good hygiene practice should include appropriate information on hazards that may 

arise in primary production and associated operations and actions to control hazards, 

including relevant measures set out in Community and national legislation or national and 

Community programmes.  Examples of such hazards and measures may include: 

(a) 

the control of contamination such as mycotoxins, heavy metals and radioactive material; 

(b) 

the use of water, organic waste and fertilisers; 

(c) 

the correct and appropriate use of plant protection products and biocides and their 

traceability; 

(d) 

the correct and appropriate use of veterinary medicinal products and feed additives and 

their traceability; 

(e) 

the preparation, storage, use and traceability of feed; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(f) 

the proper disposal of dead animals, waste and litter; 

(g)  protective measures to prevent the introduction of contagious diseases transmissible to 

humans through food, and any obligation to notify the competent authority; 

(h)  procedures, practices and methods to ensure that food is produced, handled, packed, 

stored and transported under appropriate hygienic conditions, including effective 

cleaning and pest-control; 

(i)  measures relating to the cleanliness of slaughter and production animals;  

(j)  measures relating to record-keeping. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX II 

GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS 

(EXCEPT WHEN ANNEX I APPLIES) 

INTRODUCTION 

Chapters V to XII apply to all stages of production, processing and distribution of food and the 

remaining Chapters apply as follows: 

– 

Chapter I applies to all food premises, except premises to which Chapter III applies; 

– 

Chapter II applies to all rooms where food is prepared, treated or processed, except dining 

areas and premises to which Chapter III applies; 

– 

Chapter III applies to those premises listed in the heading to the Chapter;  

– 

Chapter IV applies to all transportation. 

CHAPTER I 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES 

(OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED IN CHAPTER III) 

1. 

Food premises are to be kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. 

The layout, design, construction, siting and size of food premises are to: 

(a)  permit adequate maintenance, cleaning and/or disinfection, avoid or minimise air-borne 

contamination, and provide adequate working space to allow for the hygienic 

performance of all operations; 

(b)  be such as to protect against the accumulation of dirt, contact with toxic materials, the 

shedding of particles into food and the formation of condensation or undesirable mould 

on surfaces; 

(c)  permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination and, in 

particular, pest control; and 

(d)  where necessary, provide suitable temperature-controlled handling and storage 

conditions of sufficient capacity for maintaining foodstuffs at appropriate temperatures 

and designed to allow those temperatures to be monitored and, where necessary, 

recorded. 

3.  An adequate number of flush lavatories are to be available and connected to an effective 

drainage system.  Lavatories are not to open directly into rooms in which food is handled. 

4.  An adequate number of washbasins is to be available, suitably located and designated for 

cleaning hands.  Washbasins for cleaning hands are to be provided with hot and cold running 

water, materials for cleaning hands and for hygienic drying.  Where necessary, the facilities 

for washing food are to be separate from the hand-washing facility. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. 

There is to be suitable and sufficient means of natural or mechanical ventilation.  Mechanical 

airflow from a contaminated area to a clean area is to be avoided.  Ventilation systems are to 

be so constructed as to enable filters and other parts requiring cleaning or replacement to be 

readily accessible. 

6. 

Sanitary conveniences are to have adequate natural or mechanical ventilation. 

7. 

Food premises are to have adequate natural and/or artificial lighting. 

8.  Drainage facilities are to be adequate for the purpose intended.  They are to be designed and 

constructed to avoid the risk of contamination.  Where drainage channels are fully or partially 

open, they are to be so designed as to ensure that waste does not flow from a contaminated 

area towards or into a clean area, in particular an area where foods likely to present a high risk 

to the final consumer are handled. 

9.  Where necessary, adequate changing facilities for personnel are to be provided. 

10.  Cleaning agents and disinfectants are not to be stored in areas where food is handled. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER II 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS IN ROOMS WHERE FOODSTUFFS ARE PREPARED, 

TREATED OR PROCESSED (EXCLUDING DINING AREAS 

AND THOSE PREMISES SPECIFIED IN CHAPTER III) 

1. 

In rooms where food is prepared, treated or processed (excluding dining areas and those 

premises specified in Chapter III, but including rooms contained in means of transport) the 

design and layout are to permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against 

contamination between and during operations.  In particular:   

(a) 

floor surfaces are to be maintained in a sound condition and be easy to clean and, where 

necessary, to disinfect.  This will require the use of impervious, non-absorbent, 

washable and non-toxic materials unless food business operators can satisfy the 

competent authority that other materials used are appropriate.  Where appropriate, floors 

are to allow adequate surface drainage; 

(b)  wall surfaces are to be maintained in a sound condition and be easy to clean and, where 

necessary, to disinfect.  This will require the use of impervious, non-absorbent, 

washable and non-toxic materials and require a smooth surface up to a height 

appropriate for the operations unless food business operators can satisfy the competent 

authority that other materials used are appropriate; 

(c) 

ceilings (or, where there are no ceilings, the interior surface of the roof) and overhead 

fixtures are to be constructed and finished so as to prevent the accumulation of dirt and 

to reduce condensation, the growth of undesirable mould and the shedding of particles; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d)  windows and other openings are to be constructed to prevent the accumulation of dirt.  

Those which can be opened to the outside environment are, where necessary, to be fitted 

with insect-proof screens which can be easily removed for cleaning.  Where open 

windows would result in contamination, windows are to remain closed and fixed during 

production; 

(e)  doors are to be easy to clean and, where necessary, to disinfect.  This will require the 

use of smooth and non-absorbent surfaces unless food business operators can satisfy the 

competent authority that other materials used are appropriate; and 

(f) 

surfaces (including surfaces of equipment) in areas where foods are handled and in 

particular those in contact with food are to be maintained in a sound condition and be 

easy to clean and, where necessary, to disinfect.  This will require the use of smooth, 

washable corrosion-resistant and non-toxic materials, unless food business operators can 

satisfy the competent authority that other materials used are appropriate. 

2.  Adequate facilities are to be provided, where necessary, for the cleaning, disinfecting and 

storage of working utensils and equipment.  These facilities are to be constructed of 

corrosion-resistant materials, be easy to clean and have an adequate supply of hot and cold 

water. 

3.  Adequate provision is to be made, where necessary, for washing food.  Every sink or other 

such facility provided for the washing of food is to have an adequate supply of hot and/or cold 

potable water consistent with the requirements of Chapter VII and be kept clean and, where 

necessary, disinfected.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER III 

REQUIREMENTS FOR MOVABLE AND/OR TEMPORARY PREMISES 

(SUCH AS MARQUEES, MARKET STALLS, MOBILE SALES VEHICLES), 

PREMISES USED PRIMARILY AS A PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE BUT WHERE 

FOODS ARE REGULARLY PREPARED FOR PLACING ON THE MARKET, 

AND VENDING MACHINES 

1. 

Premises and vending machines are, so far as is reasonably practicable, to be so sited, 

designed, constructed and kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition as to avoid 

the risk of contamination, in particular by animals and pests. 

2. 

In particular, where necessary: 

(a) 

appropriate facilities are to be available to maintain adequate personal hygiene 

(including facilities for the hygienic washing and drying of hands, hygienic sanitary 

arrangements and changing facilities); 

(b) 

surfaces in contact with food are to be in a sound condition and be easy to clean and, 

where necessary, to disinfect.  This will require the use of smooth, washable, 

corrosion-resistant and non-toxic materials, unless food business operators can satisfy 

the competent authority that other materials used are appropriate; 

(c) 

adequate provision is to be made for the cleaning and, where necessary, disinfecting of 

working utensils and equipment; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d)  where foodstuffs are cleaned as part of the food business' operations, adequate provision 

is to be made for this to be undertaken hygienically; 

(e) 

an adequate supply of hot and/or cold potable water is to be available; 

(f) 

adequate arrangements and/or facilities for the hygienic storage and disposal of 

hazardous and/or inedible substances and waste (whether liquid or solid) are to be 

available; 

(g) 

adequate facilities and/or arrangements for maintaining and monitoring suitable food 

temperature conditions are to be available; 

(h) 

foodstuffs are to be so placed as to avoid the risk of contamination so far as is 

reasonably practicable. 

CHAPTER IV 

TRANSPORT 

1. 

Conveyances and/or containers used for transporting foodstuffs are to be kept clean and 

maintained in good repair and condition to protect foodstuffs from contamination and are, 

where necessary, to be designed and constructed to permit adequate cleaning and/or 

disinfection. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. 

Receptacles in vehicles and/or containers are not to be used for transporting anything other 

than foodstuffs where this may result in contamination. 

3.  Where conveyances and/or containers are used for transporting anything in addition to 

foodstuffs or for transporting different foodstuffs at the same time, there is, where necessary, 

to be effective separation of products. 

4. 

Bulk foodstuffs in liquid, granulate or powder form are to be transported in receptacles and/or 

containers/tankers reserved for the transport of foodstuffs.  Such containers are to be marked 

in a clearly visible and indelible fashion, in one or more Community languages, to show that 

they are used for the transport of foodstuffs, or are to be marked "for foodstuffs only". 

5.  Where conveyances and/or containers have been used for transporting anything other than 

foodstuffs or for transporting different foodstuffs, there is to be effective cleaning between 

loads to avoid the risk of contamination. 

6. 

Foodstuffs in conveyances and/or containers are to be so placed and protected as to minimise 

the risk of contamination. 

7.  Where necessary, conveyances and/or containers used for transporting foodstuffs are to be 

capable of maintaining foodstuffs at appropriate temperatures and allow those temperatures to 

be monitored. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER V 

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS 

1.  All articles, fittings and equipment with which food comes into contact are to: 

(a)  be effectively cleaned and, where necessary, disinfected.  Cleaning and disinfection are 

to take place at a frequency sufficient to avoid any risk of contamination; 

(b)  be so constructed, be of such materials and be kept in such good order, repair and 

condition as to minimise any risk of contamination; 

(c)  with the exception of non-returnable containers and packaging, be so constructed, be of 

such materials and be kept in such good order, repair and condition as to enable them to 

be kept clean and, where necessary, to be disinfected; and 

(d)  be installed in such a manner as to allow adequate cleaning of the equipment and the 

surrounding area. 

2.  Where necessary, equipment is to be fitted with any appropriate control device to guarantee 

fulfilment of this Regulation's objectives. 

3.  Where chemical additives have to be used to prevent corrosion of equipment and containers, 

they are to be used in accordance with good practice. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER VI 

FOOD WASTE 

1. 

Food waste, non-edible by-products and other refuse are to be removed from rooms where 

food is present as quickly as possible, so as to avoid their accumulation. 

2. 

Food waste, non-edible by-products and other refuse are to be deposited in closable 

containers, unless food business operators can demonstrate to the competent authority that 

other types of containers or evacuation systems used are appropriate.  These containers are to 

be of an appropriate construction, kept in sound condition, be easy to clean and, 

where necessary, to disinfect. 

3.  Adequate provision is to be made for the storage and disposal of food waste, non-edible 

by-products and other refuse.  Refuse stores are to be designed and managed in such a way as 

to enable them to be kept clean and, where necessary, free of animals and pests. 

4.  All waste is to be eliminated in a hygienic and environmentally friendly way in accordance 

with Community legislation applicable to that effect, and is not to constitute a direct or 

indirect source of contamination. 

CHAPTER VII 

WATER SUPPLY 

1. 

(a)  There is to be an adequate supply of potable water, which is to be used whenever 

necessary to ensure that foodstuffs are not contaminated; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)  Clean water may be used with whole fishery products.  Clean seawater may be used 

with live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods; clean water 

may also be used for external washing.  When such water is used, adequate facilities are 

to be available for its supply. 

2.  Where non-potable water is used, for example for fire control, steam production, refrigeration 

and other similar purposes, it is to circulate in a separate duly identified system.  Non-potable 

water is not to connect with, or allow reflux into, potable water systems. 

3. 

Recycled water used in processing or as an ingredient is not to present a risk of 

contamination.  It is to be of the same standard as potable water, unless the competent 

authority is satisfied that the quality of the water cannot affect the wholesomeness of the 

foodstuff in its finished form. 

4. 

Ice which comes into contact with food or which may contaminate food is to be made from 

potable water or, when used to chill whole fishery products, clean water.  It is to be made, 

handled and stored under conditions that protect it from contamination. 

5. 

Steam used directly in contact with food is not to contain any substance that presents a hazard 

to health or is likely to contaminate the food. 

6.  Where heat treatment is applied to foodstuffs in hermetically sealed containers it is to be 

ensured that water used to cool the containers after heat treatment is not a source of 

contamination for the foodstuff. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII 

PERSONAL HYGIENE 

1. 

Every person working in a food-handling area is to maintain a high degree of personal 

cleanliness and is to wear suitable, clean and, where necessary, protective clothing. 

2.  No person suffering from, or being a carrier of a disease likely to be transmitted through food 

or afflicted, for example, with infected wounds, skin infections, sores or diarrhoea is to be 

permitted to handle food or enter any food-handling area in any capacity if there is any 

likelihood of direct or indirect contamination.  Any person so affected and employed in a food 

business and who is likely to come into contact with food is to report immediately the illness 

or symptoms, and if possible their causes, to the food business operator. 

CHAPTER IX 

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO FOODSTUFFS 

1.  A food business operator is not to accept raw materials or ingredients, other than live animals, 

or any other material used in processing products, if they are known to be, or might 

reasonably be expected to be, contaminated with parasites, pathogenic microorganisms or 

toxic, decomposed or foreign substances to such an extent that, even after the food business 

operator had hygienically applied normal sorting and/or preparatory or processing procedures, 

the final product would be unfit for human consumption. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. 

Raw materials and all ingredients stored in a food business are to be kept in appropriate 

conditions designed to prevent harmful deterioration and protect them from contamination. 

3.  At all stages of production, processing and distribution, food is to be protected against any 

contamination likely to render the food unfit for human consumption, injurious to health or 

contaminated in such a way that it would be unreasonable to expect it to be consumed in that 

state. 

4.  Adequate procedures are to be in place to control pests.  Adequate procedures are also to be in 

place to prevent domestic animals from having access to places where food is prepared, 

handled or stored (or, where the competent authority so permits in special cases, to prevent 

such access from resulting in contamination). 

5. 

Raw materials, ingredients, intermediate products and finished products likely to support the 

reproduction of pathogenic micro-organisms or the formation of toxins are not to be kept at 

temperatures that might result in a risk to health.  The cold chain is not to be interrupted.  

However, limited periods outside temperature control are permitted, to accommodate the 

practicalities of handling during preparation, transport, storage, display and service of food, 

provided that it does not result in a risk to health.  Food businesses manufacturing, handling 

and wrapping processed foodstuffs are to have suitable rooms, large enough for the separate 

storage of raw materials from processed material and sufficient separate refrigerated storage. 

6.  Where foodstuffs are to be held or served at chilled temperatures they are to be cooled as 

quickly as possible following the heat-processing stage, or final preparation stage if no heat 

process is applied, to a temperature which does not result in a risk to health. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
7. 

The thawing of foodstuffs is to be undertaken in such a way as to minimise the risk of growth 

of pathogenic microorganisms or the formation of toxins in the foods.  During thawing, foods 

are to be subjected to temperatures that would not result in a risk to health.  Where run-off 

liquid from the thawing process may present a risk to health it is to be adequately drained.  

Following thawing, food is to be handled in such a manner as to minimise the risk of growth 

of pathogenic microorganisms or the formation of toxins. 

8.  Hazardous and/or inedible substances, including animal feed, are to be adequately labelled 

and stored in separate and secure containers. 

CHAPTER X 

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE WRAPPING 

AND PACKAGING OF FOODSTUFFS 

1.  Material used for wrapping and packaging are not to be a source of contamination. 

2.  Wrapping materials are to be stored in such a manner that they are not exposed to a risk of 

contamination. 

3.  Wrapping and packaging operations are to be carried out so as to avoid contamination of the 

products.  Where appropriate and in particular in the case of cans and glass jars, the integrity 

of the container's construction and its cleanliness is to be assured. 

4.  Wrapping and packaging material re-used for foodstuffs is to be easy to clean and, where 

necessary, to disinfect.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER XI 

HEAT TREATMENT 

The following requirements apply only to food placed on the market in hermetically sealed 

containers: 

1. 

any heat treatment process used to process an unprocessed product or to process further a 

processed product is: 

(a) 

to raise every party of the product treated to a given temperature for a given period of 

time; and 

(b) 

to prevent the product from becoming contaminated during the process; 

2. 

to ensure that the process employed achieves the desired objectives, food business operators 

are to check regularly the main relevant parameters (particularly temperature, pressure, 

sealing and microbiology), including by the use of automatic devices; 

3. 

the process used should conform to an internationally recognised standard (for example, 

pasteurisation, ultra high temperature or sterilisation). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER XII 

TRAINING 

Food business operators are to ensure: 

1. 

that food handlers are supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters 

commensurate with their work activity; 

2. 

that those responsible for the development and maintenance of the procedure referred to in 

Article 5(1) of this Regulation or for the operation of relevant guides have received adequate 

training in the application of the HACCP principles; and 

3. 

compliance with any requirements of national law concerning training programmes for 

persons working in certain food sectors.