In response, 20 UK trade and professional organisations are working together as the Food & Biocides Industry Group (FBIG). FBIG has developed guidance on the use of biocides in cleaning and disinfection, and is leading lobbying in the UK and with the European Commission.
Recent articles
- Biocides Defy Clean Definition, Food Manufacture, 13/9/16:
- Changes to the regulation of disinfectants and the impacts on the food industry, TIFSIP, 18/8/16:
- Cleaning Up Biocides Legislation, Food Science & Technology, August 2016:
- EU Biocides Plans Pose ‘Food Safety Threat’, Food Manufacture, 6/4/16:
Concerns raised
Biocides in disinfectants and sanitisers are used routinely both in food production and in the home to prevent microbiological contamination of our food. They are used throughout the supply chain and are very important in the production of high quality safe food, contributing to food safety assurance and helping to protect the consumer. Concerns have been expressed repeatedly in UK official reports that clear guidance on cleaning and disinfection needs to be made available to enforcers and smaller businesses to ensure that it is being carried out properly.
The European Commission is reviewing regulation of the traces of such compounds in foodstuffs. The presence of a trace of biocide does not indicate that there is any risk to human health. The positive benefits of using biocides to prevent microbiological contamination needs to be balanced with the need to set practical levels.
Biocides essential to maintain food hygiene standards
Food poisoning outbreaks are rare in the UK. The UK food industry places an absolute priority on food safety. Good Agricultural Practices, hygienic preparation and packaging minimise the potential for contamination, and the use of biocides and cleaning agents play an essential role in maintaining high standards of food hygiene.
FBIG has stressed to both UK authorities and the European Commission the need to maintain an adequate range of effective biocides and cleaning agents in order not to compromise food safety through increased microbiological risk.
The safety and quality of food is paramount to the industry which is working with the UK authorities and participating in discussions with the European Commission to ensure that food safety remains the key driver for any recommendations to set Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs).
Good practice for use of biocides
The positions of the food and biocide industries on the issue are aligned, including at EU level. The main aim is now for the EC to recognise that it is not appropriate to apply MRLs as biocides used for disinfection (of water and equipment etc) are not being used as Plant Protection Products (i.e. pesticides).
Desired end-points
FBIG is seeking:
- Continued ability to responsibly use effective biocides
- Rational basis for regulation
- Recognise Food Business Operators’ need to be able to protect hygiene for public health
- Full risk assessment of impacts of biocide regulation review on hygiene including water
- Non-pesticide use should not be regulated under 396/2005
- No ‘gold plating’, e.g. going beyond scope of legislation applying to end products not listed in 396/2005
- Clear enforcement guidance and rationale