Inspection and sampling of foods entering Gibraltar
Issue of import permits for meat and meat products
Issue of licences for importation of water and milk
Food alerts

Inspection and sampling of foods entering Gibraltar

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.

Issue of Import Permits for Meat and Meat Products

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 or commercial documents 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.

Issue of licensing for importation of water and milk

All milk and water imported into Gibraltar is controlled by licensing. A licence is granted subject to the milk/water complying with compositional and bacteriological standards. This is verified by laboratory analysis prior to importation.

Food Alerts

The UK Food Standards Agency notifies the Environmental Agency of any food alerts. These are promptly investigated to ascertain if the food product is on sale locally. The action taken depends on the nature of the alert and which at times may involve the removal of the food product from sale.

On rare occasions it may be necessary to make public advisory announcements.