European Commission: Report on official controls of histamine in fishery products
The EU has released a report on official controls of histamine in fishery products, providing an overview of current monitoring practices across EU Member States. Histamine toxicity, also known as scombroid poisoning, is a foodborne illness associated with inadequate maintenance of the cold chain during the storage and handling of fish for human consumption. While cases are reported annually, proper hygiene and cold chain management remain essential in reducing risks. The report outlines that risk-based official controls are in place throughout the production, storage, transport, and distribution of fishery products. These controls are supported by laboratory testing in designated and accredited facilities.
Key observations include:
- Variations in implementation - While most Member States follow EU-wide risk-based controls, the report notes differences in staff training and procedural consistency.
- Operator compliance - Some businesses face challenges in adhering to sampling and testing requirements, with occasional deviations from EU standards permitted by competent authorities.
- Testing method flexibility - The EU allows alternative histamine testing methods, provided they are validated against the reference method or meet internationally accepted standards. However, the report highlights a lack of uniform validation criteria across Member States.
- Role of national laboratories - In the absence of an EU Reference Laboratory for histamine, several Member States have established National Reference Laboratories to support method harmonisation at a national level.
The report provides a basis for further discussion, with Member States, on how to enhance consistency in histamine controls while maintaining the flexibility needed for effective risk management.
European Commission – Keeping seafood safe: EU’s latest findings on histamine controls