Commission Regulation (EC) No 683/2004 of 13 April 2004 amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in foods for infants and young children (Text with EEA relevance)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 683/2004
of 13 April 2004
amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in foods 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 Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 of 8 February 1993 laying down Community procedures for contaminants in food(1), and in particular Article 2(3) thereof,
After consulting the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF),
Whereas:
(1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001(2), sets maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs, including food intended for infants and young children covered by Commission Directive 91/321/EEC of 14 May 1991 on infant formulae and follow-on formulae(3) and Commission Directive 96/5/EC of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children(4).
(2) According to Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 specific maximum levels of contaminants for food intended for infants and young children are to be established by 5 April 2004 at the latest.
(3) Some Member States have adopted maximum levels for aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A in food intended for infants and young children. In view of the disparities between the national provisions and the consequent risk of distortion of competition, Community measures are necessary in order to ensure market unity while abiding by the principle of proportionality.
(4) It is appropriate for the health protection of the infants and young children, a vulnerable population group, to establish the lowest maximum level, that is achievable through a strict selection of the raw materials used for the manufacturing of the infant formulae, follow-on formulae, processed cereal-based foods and baby foods. It is necessary that a validated method of analysis exists for the enforcement of the maximum levels. For aflatoxin M1, an international ring trial will be organised by the Commission in order to verify if a level of 0,01 Îźg/kg aflatoxin M1 can be reliably determined in view of considering a reduction of the maximum level to 0,01 Îźg/kg aflatoxin M1.
(5) Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(6) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,