Food and food products of non-animal origin are any products that do not contain any ingredients derived from animals or animal products.
Some examples of products of non-animal origin (non-POAO) are:
- fruits
- vegetables
- nuts
- confectionary
- cereals
- herbs
- spices
Most products of non-animal origin may enter through any port, although importers should contact the port or the local authority in whose area the port is situated to check that the port has the necessary facilities in place to handle the consignment.
The legislation controlling products of non-animal origin imports into the UK is Regulation 2017/625. This is implemented in Scotland by the Official Feed and Food Controls (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (as amended).
In general terms official controls on such products will be carried out regularly by the local authority port health team on a risk-assessed basis. These will include document checks as well as identity and physical checks, as appropriate. FSS is the competent authority for imports of non-POAO feed.