Products of animal origin — protecting human and animal health

SUMMARY OF:

Directive 92/118/EEC — animal health and public health requirements for trade in and imports into the EU of certain products

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?

It aims to protect animal health and human health by setting out requirements for the trade or import of all animal products intended for human consumption that are not already specifically covered by the legislation relating to fresh meat and meat products.

KEY POINTS

This directive outlines rules for a range of unspecified miscellaneous animal products intended for human consumption, including sausage casings (often made from a layer of animal intestine), bones, fats, blood products and processed animal protein.
Trade in or imports of any new product of animal origin must be authorised by the European Union (EU) and follow, if appropriate, an opinion from the European Food Safety Authority.
Products for trade should come from approved establishments registered with the EU country, ensuring that the rules for product surveillance and monitoring are respected.
Products may be imported only if they satisfy the following requirements:
- they must come from an approved country with health rules equivalent to those in the EU;
- they must come from approved establishments with guarantees that they meet health requirements equivalent to those in the EU;
- in certain specific cases, they must be accompanied by an animal health or public health certificate;
- further specific conditions may be imposed, especially in order to protect the EU from certain exotic diseases and diseases transmissible to humans.

Specific rules outlined in the directive include the following.

Animal casings. These must be from approved manufacturing plants and have been cleaned, scraped and then salted, bleached or dried, with measures to prevent recontamination.
Bones, horns and hooves (and their products) excluding meal. Animal health requirements are generally aligned with those for fresh meat.
Processed animal protein .If imported this should be tested for Salmonella at the point of origin and be subject to random testing at an inspection post.
Fresh blood and blood products from cattle and poultry. Animal health requirements for trade and imports are generally aligned with those for fresh meat products.
Lard and rendered fats.These should be heat treated and packed only in new containers.

This directive will be repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 with effect from 20 April 2021 (see related acts).

FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

It has applied since 6 January 1993. EU countries had to incorporate it into national law by 1 January 1994 (except for rules to comply with Articles 12(2) and 17 for which the deadline was 1 January 1993).

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

‘Other products of animal origin’ on the European Commission's website.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Directive 92/118/EEC of 17 December 1992 laying down animal health and public health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of products not subject to the said requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A(I) to Directive 89/662/EEC and, as regards pathogens, to Directive 90/425/EEC (OJ L 62, 15.3.1993, pp. 49-68)

Subsequent amendments to Directive 92/118/EEC have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.