The residue testing programme requires Member States and third countries to monitor live animals and animals products (Directive 96/23/EC) for substances having an anabolic effect, unauthorised substances as well as certain veterinary drugs and contaminants. The residue monitoring plan of the US, particularly regarding approved laboratories to which certain analytical work could be contracted out, was updated by the US and the arrangements made concerning approved laboratories to which certain analytical work was contracted out was communicated to the European Commission. The US is in the process of contracting laboratory services which exercise suitable validated methods to carry out the residue testing until the designated laboratories of the US have upgraded their analytical methods.
David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection welcomed the efforts made by the US: "The past weeks have demonstrated that we can arrive at satisfactory solutions and I am hopeful that this spirit continues to dominate our partnership. "