The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is the EU’s notification network for direct and indirect risks to public health in the food chain, enabling rapid coordinated action across Member States when a hazard is detected.
In trade practice
When a hazard is found in an imported consignment, a RASFF notification can trigger border rejections, withdrawals or recalls across Member States simultaneously. Exporters and importers should monitor RASFF alerts for their product categories, as repeated notifications on a commodity or origin can lead to reinforced controls at EU borders. Suppliers are expected to investigate root causes and provide corrective action evidence to buyers promptly.
In a specification
Contract quality clauses may require the supplier to notify the buyer immediately if any RASFF alert is issued for the same product type, origin or production facility.