The aim of priority campaign A-802-26, ‘Spoilage of opened containers in the catering sector ” was to re-examine tuna, anchovies and selected types of cheese from or in already opened tins or other already opened containers in the catering sector with regard to their biogenic amine content and hygiene status. The campaign is being carried out due to the high rejection rate of 25 per cent recorded in the previous campaign involving pre-opened tins of tuna. As part of this campaign, samples will also be taken from pre-opened tins of anchovies and cheese from pre-opened containers.

74 samples were analysed, of which 14 were found to be non-compliant:

• One sample was assessed as harmful to health (microbiology).
• Two samples were found to be unfit for human consumption or intended use (microbiology).
• Nine samples were assessed as having diminished quality (Section 5(5)(4) of the LMSVG) (microbiology).
• Two samples were rejected due to a breach of the Hygiene Regulation (EC) No 852/2004.