Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1510560
13 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 OCTOBER 2023 Maltese authorities questioned in EU audit necessary information about the sampled portions. Another concern was the designation of three contract- ed labs in other EU countries responsible for analysing these samples. While these labs met the required standards for lab- oratory analysis, their designa- tion did not fully align with EU regulations. Crucially, they were not mandated to provide specif- ic essential analytical results, which significantly impacts the validity of testing-based deci- sions. Shortcomings in labelling The audit team identified var- ious compliance issues related to the labelling of animal feed products. These problems in- cluded an exceedance of the maximum limit for vitamin A concentration on labels of feed used for fattening pigs. Furthermore, a lack of instruc- tions for proper use on labels of feed containing additives, as well as incomplete information on labels of medicated feed, was evident. Additionally, a distrib- utor was found to maintain in- adequate records regarding the quantities of different batch- es of medicated feed, an issue overlooked in previous local in- spection reports. Recommendations for improvement The audit report offers nine pivotal recommendations for competent authorities based on their findings during inspec- tions of animal food control measures. Malta is advised to conduct official controls with a risk-based approach to enhance their effectiveness. The audit also emphasizes consistent ver- ification of feed business oper- ators' compliance with hazard identification requirements and the prevention of cross-con- tamination. In addition, the importance of consistent checks on operators' labeling and veterinary pre- scriptions for medicated feed to ensure legal compliance is un- derscored. The report calls for practices guaranteeing the le- gal and technical validity of the samples collected by staff dur- ing official sampling. The FVO further advocates the inclusion of all mandatory parameters in laboratory reports for tests on undesirable substances in feed to ensure the legal validity of decisions based on these tests. Malta's proactive response In response to these findings, Maltese authorities have initi- ated several corrective actions. For example, four establish- ments identified in the audit were urged to improve the han- dling of retained samples, in- cluding the proper collection of samples from each batch of feed materials and final products, the collection of samples from ami- no acids and premixtures, the appropriate sealing of samples, and the resolution of issues re- garding collecting and storing two different samples, one for retention and one for in-house laboratory analyses. These establishments were provided deadlines in August 2023 to implement the neces- sary procedures, with the ma- jority in compliance and one still in the process of procuring the required sampling items. Additionally, local authorities took corrective actions with two establishments, urging them to review the method and results of the carry-over test, which is critical for minimis- ing cross-contamination. One of the establishments prompt- ly provided a correct sampling method, while the other sought clarifications from the Compe- tent Authority. To further enhance cross-con- tamination prevention efforts, the checklist for animal feed was updated to include specific inputs in this regard. Furthermore, in August, Mal- tese authorities officially des- ignated contracted feed testing laboratories as official laborato- ries, instituting suitable control arrangements in accordance with EU regulations. These au- thorities are also in the process of finalising agreements with these laboratories, which will include requirements for re- ceiving audit and inspection re- ports from relevant competent authorities in other Member States, as well as the need for test reports to include details of uncertainty and recovery values for the tests of undesirable sub- stances.