Analysis of RASFF notifications on fats and oils

RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) is a system, that enables the rapid information exchange when a risk to human health is detected, to maintain the food safety. The aim of the study was to analyse the data in the RASFF portal to determine the risks in oils and fats. The data in the database were extracted for the period 2005-2020 and analysed for notification type, risks, notifying country, risk decision, notification basis, action taken and distribution status of the product. A total of 399 notifications were reported and the most frequent hazard consisted in unauthorised colours observed mainly in palm oils. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were the second important risk observed in vegetable oils. Glycidyl esters were noted in the last three years and has an increasing tendency. Nearly half of the notifications were determined at official controls in the market. The results reported herein give an insight look to the status of fats and oils, to contribute to product safety and risk management.