DG SANCO Newsletter, 11 June 2013
Controls performed at European Union borders on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 669/2009 continue to deliver results and, as a consequence, the EU is adjusting the intensity of controls for some products, while adding or removing others to the list of feed and food of non-animal origin that are subject to an increased level of official controls by national competent authorities at the border. As a result of the improved level of compliance with the applicable EU requirements, the control frequency is to be reduced for Brassica vegetables from Thailand (from 20% to 10%). Furthermore, because of the satisfactory results reported by Member States, pomegranates from Egypt and groundnuts from South Africa will be de-listed from the Regulation's Annex I.
Concerning new listings, dried beans from Nigeria are to be added to the list of food subject to reinforced border checks at a control frequency of 50% due to the possible presence of pesticide residues. In light of the high degree of non-compliance with the relevant Union legislation, the control frequency is to be increased for Brassica oleracea from China (from 10% to 20%), also due to possible presence of pesticide residues.
At the meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 10 June 2013, Member States endorsed the Commission's proposal to amend the Annex to the Regulation by reflecting the abovementioned changes.
The amendments to Annex I are expected to enter into force as of 1 July 2013.
For more information, please visit :http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/controls/increased_checks/index_en.htm