2002/679/EC: Commission Decision of 22 August 2002 amending Decision 2002/80/EC imposing special conditions on the import of figs, hazelnuts and pistachios and certain products derived thereof originating in or consigned from Turkey (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2002) 3109)

Commission Decision
of 22 August 2002
amending Decision 2002/80/EC imposing special conditions on the import of figs, hazelnuts and pistachios and certain products derived thereof originating in or consigned from Turkey
(notified under document number C(2002) 3109)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2002/679/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 93/43/EEC of 14 June 1993 on the hygiene of foodstuffs(1), and in particular Article 10(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Article 2 of Commission Decision 2002/80/EC(2), as amended by Decision 2002/233/EC(3), provides for a review of that decision before 1 July 2002, in order to assess whether the special conditions set out in that Decision provide a sufficient level of protection of public health within the Community, and whether there is a continuing need for the special conditions.
(2) The results of random sampling and analysis of consignments of dried figs, hazelnuts and pistachios originating in or consigned from Turkey demonstrate that there is a continuing need for the special conditions set out in Decision 2002/80/EC in order to provide a sufficient level of protection of public health within the Community.
(3) Fresh figs are not known to be contaminated by aflatoxins and it is therefore appropriate to exclude fresh figs from the scope of Decision 2002/80/EC. Fig and hazelnut pastes have been found to be contaminated by aflatoxins and it is therefore appropriate to include fig and hazelnut pastes within the scope of that Decision.
(4) In order to ensure that the random sampling and analysis of consignments of dried figs, hazelnuts and pistachios originating in or consigned from Turkey are performed in a harmonised manner throughout the Community, it is appropriate to fix an approximate frequency for the random sampling and analysis, as well to specify the sampling method to apply for hazelnuts, including vacuum packs.
(5) It is necessary to update the list of points of entry for Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Austria and Sweden through which the products concerned by Decision 2002/80/EC may be imported.
(6) Decision 2002/80/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.
(7) The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health has been consulted,