EC identification and health marks

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EC identification and health marks are essential components in the regulation and traceability of food products within the European Union. These marks ensure that food products meet the necessary health and safety standards and can be traced back to their origin.

EC Identification Marks

EC identification marks are used to identify the establishment where the food product was produced, processed, or packaged. These marks are mandatory for products of animal origin, such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. The identification mark typically includes the following information:

• The country of origin, represented by a two-letter code (e.g., "FR" for France, "DE" for Germany).
• The approval number of the establishment.
• The abbreviation "EC" indicating that the product complies with European Community regulations.

Health Marks

Health marks are applied to carcasses of animals and certain other products of animal origin to indicate that they have been inspected and passed as fit for human consumption. These marks are usually oval-shaped and contain:

• The country of origin.
• The approval number of the establishment.
• The abbreviation "EC".

Purpose and Importance

The primary purpose of EC identification and health marks is to ensure food safety and traceability. These marks help in:

• Verifying that the food product has been produced in a facility that meets the required health and safety standards.
• Tracing the product back to its source in case of a food safety issue or recall.
• Facilitating the free movement of food products within the European Union by ensuring compliance with common standards.

Regulatory Framework

The use of EC identification and health marks is governed by various European Union regulations and directives, including:

• Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, which lays down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.
• Regulation (EC) No 854/2004, which establishes specific rules for the organization of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption.

Related Pages

• European Union food safety
• Traceability
• Food safety
• Regulation (EC) No 853/2004
• Regulation (EC) No 854/2004

See Also

• European Food Safety Authority
• Food Standards Agency
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points