Alerts Management

Some of Elika's most important activities in this area include our efforts to develop Alert Protocols in the Basque Autonomous Community both in Animal Health and Animal Feed, as well as subsequent updates. Likewise, an Alerts Unit has been created in Elika, responsible for coordinating the work of providing those responsible with information and technical advice during times of crisis. This Alerts Unit is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year.

These Protocols are drawn up jointly by the Department for Environment, Planning, Agriculture and Fisheries of the Basque Government and the Provincial Councils. The aim of the Protocols is to point out responsibilities, the notifications to be made between interested parties, as well as the general procedures of the competent authorities of the Basque Autonomous Community in the face of a crisis situation in the area of animal feed, livestock health, and in general, agrofood products produced in the Basque Community.

When an alert occurs, speed is essential. The situation requires rapid assessments and decisions, in order to carry out the appropriate actions required to protect consumers, above all other considerations.

The need to act rapidly in food crises that might affect consumers is highlighted in the White Book of Food Safety of the European Commission. Regulation 882/2004 of the European Parliament and Council concerning the official control of animal feed, food, health and well-being, establishes that Member States shall draw up contingency plans for managing alerts including measures to be applied without delay should it be discovered that any feed or food involves a serious risk for humans or animals.

Alerts management involves the following day-to-day activities:

• Monitoring and analysis of the alerts that occur in our environment with regard to animal health and food as well as agrofood products.
• Preparation of information and other resources in order to be prepared in the case of certain alerts…
• Provision of information and technical advice to government officers in alert situations.
• Promote information programmes for alert managers.
• 24 hours-day/365 days-year Alerts Unit.