Food Import Control
Inspection of foods entering Gibraltar
Issue of import permits for meat and meat products
Issue of licences for importation of water and milk
Routine sampling of food imported
All foods including water,
milk and all drinks imported into Gibraltar in commercial quantities by land, sea and air
are inspected and examined as necessary. Accurate records are kept and routine and random
samples are taken to ensure compliance with relevant regulations as to composition and
quality. Fresh milk, for example is regularly sampled on entry and sent for laboratory
analysis to check the bacteriological quality and the fat levels since these are regulated
depending on whether the milk is full fat, semi-skimmed or skimmed. Importation of milk
and water is additionally controlled by licence.
Meats and meat products can be imported only with a permit issued by
the Agency to the importer and is specific to the consignment in question. The meats must
originate from approved establishments for the purposes of slaughtering, cutting
preparation and storage and be accompanied by official certificates from the national
veterinary authority of the country of export certifying that the product complies with
their legislation. The meat itself must also bear a health mark certifying its origin.
Most other foods are subject to specific legislation which state the precise standards necessary so that the food is considered fit for human consumption. The quantities of preservatives, colouring materials, sweeteners and other such additives are controlled. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs notifies the Agency of any Food Hazard Warnings when they occur. In the majority of the cases it is quick and easy to check whether that item is on sale locally and the food can be removed from the shelves within moments of receiving the notification. On rare occasions it may be necessary to make public advisory announcements.
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