Glossary of the food sector

Obtained from GMOs

Produced entirely or partially from GMOs, but not containing or consisting of GMOs.

—Source: Reg. (EU) 2018/848, Art. 3(59)

Obtained with GMOs

Produced using a GMO as the last living organism in the production process, but not containing, consisting of, or produced from GMOs.

—Source: Regulation (EU) 2018/848, Art. 3(60)

Offal

Fresh meat other than carcass meat, including viscera and blood.

— Source: Regulation (EC) 853/2004, Annex I

Official Assistant

A representative of the competent authorities trained in accordance with the requirements of Article 18 and assigned to perform certain official control tasks or certain tasks relating to other official activities.

— Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(49)

Official block

Procedure by which competent authorities ensure that animals and goods subject to official controls are not removed or tampered with pending a decision on their destination; includes storage by operators in accordance with the instructions and under the control of the competent authorities.

— Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(47)

Official certificate

Any label, mark, or other form of certification issued by operators under the supervision, carried out through appropriate official controls, of the competent authorities, or issued by the competent authorities themselves, which guarantees compliance with one or more requirements set out in this Regulation or in the provisions referred to in Article 1, paragraph 2 [of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Editor's note].

— Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(28)

Official certificate

A document in paper or electronic form, signed by the certifier, which guarantees compliance with one or more requirements set forth in Article 1, paragraph 2 [of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Editor's note].

—Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(27)

Official certification

Procedure by which the competent authorities ensure compliance with one or more requirements set out in the legislation referred to in Article 1, paragraph 2 [of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Editor's note].

—Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(25)

Official establishment (US term)

“Official establishment” means any establishment as determined by the Administrator at which inspection of the slaughter of poultry, or the processing of poultry products, meat, or eggs is maintained pursuant to the regulations.

— Source: 9 CFR 381.1

Official phytosanitary officer

A natural person designated by a competent authority as a staff member or in another capacity and appropriately trained to carry out official controls and other official activities in accordance with this Regulation and the relevant legislation referred to in Article 1(2)(g) [of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Editor's note].

—Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(33)

Official Veterinarian

Veterinarian designated by the competent authorities as a staff member or in another capacity and appropriately qualified to carry out official controls and other official activities in accordance with this Regulation and the relevant legislation referred to in Article 1(2) [of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Editor's note].

—Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(32)

Operator

Any natural or legal person subject to one or more obligations under Article 1, paragraph 2 [of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Editor's note].

—Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Art. 3(29)

Operator

Natural or legal person responsible for ensuring compliance with this Regulation at all stages of production, preparation, and distribution under that person's control.

—Source: Regulation (EU) 2018/848, Art. 3(13)

Operator

Natural or legal person responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of this Regulation within the food or feed business under their control.

—Source: Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, Art. 2(3)

Operator

Natural or legal person exercising effective control over animal by-products or derived products, including transporters, traders, and users.

— Source: Regulation (EC) 1069/2009, Art. 3(11)