2002/75/EC: Commission Decision of 1 February 2002 laying down special conditions on the import from third countries of star anise (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2002) 379)

Commission Decision
of 1 February 2002
laying down special conditions on the import from third countries of star anise
(notified under document number C(2002) 379)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2002/75/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 93/43/EEC of 14 June 1993 on the hygiene of foodstuffs(1), and in particular Article 10(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Star anise (Illicium verum), also known as Chinese star anise or Chinese badian, is fit for human consumption and commonly used in foodstuffs.
(2) The botanical variety of star anise known as Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum, also known as Illicium religiosum, Illicium japonicum, shikimmi and skimmi), is scientifically recognised as highly poisonous and is therefore not fit for human consumption.
(3) Analyses of consignments of star anise from certain third countries have revealed also the presence of Japanese star anise; the presence of Japanese star anise has been linked to some cases of food poisoning in the Community.
(4) There is therefore a hygiene problem in certain third countries which poses a serious threat to public health within the Community and protective measures must be adopted at Community level.
(5) It is necessary that star anise imported from third countries, which is intended for human consumption or to be used as an ingredients in foodstuffs, should not contain Japanese star anise.
(6) The competent authorities in third countries should provide documentary evidence to accompany each consignment of star anise from their countries, confirming that the products consist only of star anise and are free of Japanese star anise.
(7) It is therefore necessary, in order to safeguard public health, that consignments of star anise imported into the Community, which are intended for human consumption or to be used as an ingredient in foodstuffs, are subjected at random to sampling and analysis prior to release for free circulation; for the same reason it is necessary to control also the products already on the market.
(8) Given that the measures provided for in this Decision would have a serious impact on the control resources of the Member States, the results of these measures should be evaluated after a short period of time and the measures amended if appropriate.
(9) Member States have been consulted on the measures provided for in this Decision according to Article 10(3) of Directive 93/43/EEC, on 18 December 2001,