CONSIGNEE
In basic terms, an imported load will be treated in one of the four ways highlighted below:-

DESTROYED
There is an argument that the load would not have become contaminated had it not been ordered in the first place. It follows there is a responsibility on the party that ordered the goods to 'see the job through'. A responsibility to ensure that UK food safety standards are maintained and that the goods are not allowed to enter the UK market unchecked. All too often a rejected load will ‘disappear’ and measures need to be in place to control this risk. 

RETURNED
Despatching the goods back from whence they came assumes they will leave the UK as intended. In the absence of customs documentation (for EU goods) there is currently no proof of export. This creates a risk that the goods could be diverted to elsewhere in the UK without your knowledge and contrary to your instruction.   A load cannot be allowed to ‘disappear’ and this website includes ways to employ additional control measures when goods are intended to be re-exported.

RECOVERED
A large part of the load may be completely unaffected by the presence of clandestines during transit. It is vital that any re-work is only permitted in isolated conditions (to avoid cross contamination) and is carried out by professionals capable of assessing whether stock is contaminated or not. The Distressed Load Management service offered by BRC accredited Oakland International is HACCP compliant and certified by Environmental Health. 

If you suspect contamination

Don't panic!   Firstly ascertain where the vehicle is : at the port, at the delivery point or stopped elsewhere?

Identify who has detected the stowaway(s), how many were found, roughly how long they have been inside the trailer and what damage appears to have occurred.

There are likely to be bodily fluids in or around some products.

Protect the goods and the staff


Experience shows that, in most cases, 85+% of the load can be recovered. The infected goods need to be identified, quarantined and disposed of in a way that protects your brand integrity and maintains food safety.

There is a risk of cross contamination - this is a particularly significant risk if the load is not assessed and handled in a secure, approved and isolated environment - away from all other goods and handled by staff that are (a) trained and experienced in such matters and (b) properly equipped to avoid risk to their health.

Choose the link below that is most relevant to your role/involvement:-
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