EU Regulation (EU) 2017/625 - Official Controls Regulation

What it says

This Regulation lays down rules for the performance of official controls by competent authorities to verify compliance with food and feed law, animal health and welfare, and other rules. Controls are risk-based and performed regularly and without prior warning in most cases. Operators must give authorities access to premises, systems and records, and authorities can take measures when non-compliance is found, and charge fees for certain controls.

Paraphrased for plain-language clarity. Always verify against the current published regulation text.

What it means in practice

• Inspections are normally unannounced, so readiness has to be continuous.
• Operators have a duty to cooperate and provide access to records and premises.
• Findings can lead to corrective measures, sanctions or product restrictions.

What inspectors look for

• Whether the operator's systems and records show compliance with food law.
• Whether previous non-compliances were corrected.
• Whether hazards are controlled in line with the operator's own procedures.

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