Commission Directive 2004/43/EC of 13 April 2004 amending Directive 98/53/EC and Directive 2002/26/EC as regards sampling methods and methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A in food for infants and young children (Text with EEA relevance)

Commission Directive 2004/43/EC
of 13 April 2004
amending Directive 98/53/EC and Directive 2002/26/EC as regards sampling methods and methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A in food for infants and young children
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 85/591/EEC of 20 December 1985 concerning the introduction of Community methods of sampling and analysis for the monitoring of foodstuffs intended for human consumption(1), and in particular Article 1 thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 of 8 March 2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(2) fixes maximum limits for aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A in food for infants and young children.
(2) Sampling plays a crucial part in the precision of the determination of the levels of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. Commission Directive 98/53/EC of 16 July 1998 laying down the sampling methods and the methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of certain contaminants in foodstuffs(3) and Commission Directive 2002/26/EC of 13 March 2002 laying down the sampling methods and methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of ochratoxin A in foodstuffs(4) should be amended to include provisions related to food for infants and young children.
(3) It is of major importance that analytical results are reported and interpreted in a uniform way in order to ensure a harmonised enforcement approach across the European Union. These interpretation rules are of application for the analytical result obtained on the sample for official control. In case of analysis for defence or referee purposes, the national rules apply.
(4) Directives 98/53/EC and 2002/26/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.
(5) The measures provided for in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,