Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of a new processing method for ABP Category 2 materials of fish origin

A new method for the treatment and disposal of Category 2 animal by-products (ABP’s) of fish origin according to Regulation (EC) 1774/2002 was assessed for the inactivation of the relevant biological hazards. It is proposed that the method will be used for the treatment of Category 2 fish material obtained from aquaculture plants. The proposed process technology consists of grinding fish raw material followed by acidification and heat treatment. The main steps of the proposed process are the mixing with formic acid, the storage for at least 24 hours at pH < 4, the heat treatment of the fish silage at a temperature ≥85°C for at least 25 minutes. It was concluded that, based on the results of the laboratory experiments, the risk related to pathogens present in fish ABPs from aquaculture would be adequately reduced by the proposed process, if the requirements of the HACCP plan are achieved. However, since there was no validation of the process in an existing plant, it is not possible to conclude on the feasibility of the given HACCP plan. It was further recommended that the full scale equipment should be designed in a way to permit validation by exposure to representative test organisms.