With the Twinning Light project: “The Art of Organoleptic Checks of Fish and Other Food of Animal Origin: Guidelines, Practice and Challenges”, Germany is supporting the Veterinary Department of the National Food Services in the Israeli Ministry of Health and the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening their capacities with regards to control of food of animal origin, in particular fish and fish products. The project is implemented by the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES).

The objectives of the Twinning light project are to develop formally adopted written guidelines for organoleptic checks and to develop drafts of written procedures and training materials alongside communication and training plans to implement those guidelines. During two study visits to Germany, a core group of veterinary inspectors will gather first-hand experience of the various organoleptic inspection practices in an EU Member State.

The Twinning Light project constitutes a further step towards putting Israeli EU approximation into practice.