OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS KACHCHH COMMISSIONERATE CUSTOM HOUSE, NR. BALAJI TEMPLE KANDLA - 370 210, GUJARAT PHONE : 02836-271468-469 FAX : 271467

PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 23 /2011 DATED   29.08.2011

Subject: - Monitoring of fresh Fruit and Vegetable import form Europe for E.Colli bacterial contamination—regarding

A copy of letter F.No. 450/60/2011-Cus.IV dated 8th June, 2011 issued by G.S.Singh OSD(Customs IV) to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, CBEC, New Delhi, is enclosed herewith for information, guidance and necessary action.

1. Any difficulty faced in implementation of the above instructions may be brought to the notice of the undersigned immediately.
2. All the trade Associations/Chamber of Commerce/Members of Regional Advisory Committees and Custom House Agents' Association are requested to publicize the contents of this Public Notice among their members/constituents, for their information and necessary action.

Encl. As above.

F.No. S/20-02/2011-Appg(G)
Date: 29.08.2011
To,

1 The Chief Commissioner of Customs, Gujarat Zone, Ahmedabad
2.A11 Additional/Joint/Deputy/Assistant Commissioners of Customs, C.H.Kandla/Mundra/Bhuj 3.A11 Group/Sections,Customs, Kandla.
4.The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industires, Ahmedabad 5.The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Surat 6.The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce & Industies, Gandhidham. 7.The Kandla Custom House Agents' Association, Gandhidham 8.The Mundra Custom House Agents' Association, Mundra

1. The Kandla Port Steamship Agents' Association, Gandhidham
2. The Mundra Port Steamship Agents' Association, Mundra
3. The Container Freight Station Association of Mundra, Bharat CFS Zone-1, Mundra
4. The Chairman, Kandla Port Trust, Ghandhidham
5. Notice Board/Guard File.

F.No. 450/60/2011-Cus. IV Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue Central Board of Excise & Customs

229-A, North Block, New Delhi, dated 8th  June, 2011.

To
All Chief Commissioners of Customs. All Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise. All Commissioners of Customs.
All Commissioners of Customs (Export).                                                            
All Commissioners of Customs / Central Excise (Prev.).                            
Subject: Monitoring of fresh Fruit and Vegetable Import from Europe for E.CoIIi
bacterial contamination-regarding                                                                                          
Sir / Madam,                                                                                                                                                            
Following the recent detection of many cases of E.Colli bacterial outbreak due to contamination of fresh Fruits and Vegetables in European countries like Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain. Sweden, Switzerland, Russia and the U.K, there' is a need to increase surveillance of fresh Fruit and Vegetable imports into India from Europe to ensure that they are safe for consumption.

1. Accordingly, it has been decided, as precautionary measure, that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) would test samples of fresh Fruits and Vegetables consignments imported from Europe into India for E.Colli bacteria. FSSAI has directed their Authorised Officers to have the food articles tested for E.Colli bacterial contamination before issuing 'No Objection Certificate' to Customs.
2. In view of the above, it is directed that all officers in charge of Ports, Airports, ICDs / CFSs, Land Customs Stations should ensure that clearance of such fresh Fruits and Vegetables imported from Europe is allowed only after complying with the above requirements and obtaining 'No Objection Certificate' from FSSAI.
3. A suitable Public Notice and Standing Order may be issued for foe guidance of the. trade and staff.

5. Difficulties faced, if any, in implementation of these instructions may please be brought to the notice of the Board.
Yours faithfully,

(G.S Sinha & OSD (Customs IV)

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