The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) recently published an updated Fishery Information Notice (FIN) titled ‘Labelling on Board Freezer Vessels.’ This FIN summarises the labelling requirements that apply to operators of freezer vessels.
All boxes or blocks of frozen products caught within the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) Convention Area, which includes all waters surrounding Ireland, must be physically labelled on board at the time of stowage.
All containers must have labels which include:
- the name of the vessel,
- the three-letter Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) species code,
- the production date,
- the catch area (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) sub-area and division) and
- the identification mark containing the vessel’s approval number.
Where frozen products are stored in 3kg and 9kg cartons or boxes, both the 3kg and 9kg containers shall be labelled. Labels must be affixed to each container. Affixing must ensure that such labels remain associated with that container throughout storage and transport.
Operators of freezer vessels pre-packing products for the final consumer must also ensure that their labels include the mandatory information to the final consumer.
Operators of freezer vessels and food businesses handling frozen fishery products should familiarise themselves with the FIN and the requirements for labelling. Sample labels and further guidance can be found in the FIN.
The FIN can be accessed on the SFPA website under https://www.sfpa.ie/What-We-Do/Sea-Fisheries-Information/Fishery-Information-Notices#1375274-marketing-traceability-and-sale-of-fishery-products, or by following this link: FFSU-FC-FIN-OC-11-26 Labelling On Board Freezer Vessels V2
The SFPA is committed to supporting compliance with both new and existing legislation and are available to provide guidance. For assistance or further details on the FIN, please contact: sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie
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Note to Editor
The FIN can be accessed on the SFPA website under https://www.sfpa.ie/What-We-Do/Sea-Fisheries-Information/Fishery-Information-Notices#1375274-marketing-traceability-and-sale-of-fishery-products, or by following this link: FFSU-FC-FIN-OC-11-26 Labelling On Board Freezer Vessels V2