After a breach of a trailer carrying food it is not enough to judge whether the products look intact. EU food law applies, including Regulation EC 178/2002, which lays down the general principles of food safety. The decision on whether the goods are fit for trade must be cautious and documented. At OTSL we run that assessment factually.
Why food is a separate case
- It is not only the physical state that counts but safety for the consumer.
- A trailer breach can mean a risk that is not visible to the eye.
- The decision to release or withdraw must be documented.
How we approach the assessment
After an event we secure the goods and document the state, and with food we keep special caution. At the UK warehouse we run sanitary and hygiene checks, and when goods are not fit for trade we support the client with disposal. We do not take shortcuts on a release decision, because consumer safety and the client responsibility are at stake.
How we work
We run the assessment and report so the client can decide on facts and, if needed, settle with the insurer. We act factually and without sensation. The exact requirements depend on the type of food and the situation, so we confirm them individually.
See inspection and recovery, the fitness assessment and the inspection process.
