93/351/EEC: Commission Decision of 19 May 1993 determining analysis methods, sampling plans and maximum limits for mercury in fishery products

COMMISSION DECISION of 19 May 1993 determining analysis methods, sampling plans and maximum limits for mercury in fishery products
(93/351/EEC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 91/493/EEC of 22 July 1991 laying down the health conditions for the production and placing on the market of fishery products (1), and in particular Chapter V, part II point 3 C of the Annex thereto,
Whereas natural contamination or pollution of the aquatic environment may result in concentrations of contaminants such as mercury in fishery products;
Whereas, to protect public health, the maximum limits for concentrations of mercury in fishery products should be laid down;
Whereas acceptable weekly human intakes of mercury, as provisionally established at international level, must not be exceeded; whereas the provisions on maximum limits for mercury in fishery products will have to be reviewed if different acceptable  weekly intakes are established at international level;
Whereas low concentrations of mercury do not pose an immediate toxicological danger to consumers but it is necessary to avoid possibly harmful long-term accumulations; whereas it is therefore desirable to limit its absorption in general;
Whereas for physiological reasons certain species concentrate mercury more easily in their tissues; whereas, in accordance with the objectives of the public health protection, higher acceptability limits should be set for these than for other fishery  products;
Whereas by Commission Decision 90/515/EEC (2) the Commission adopted reference methods for detecting residues of heavy metals and arsenic; whereas it is appropriate to apply that Decision to the detection of mercury in fishery products;
Whereas Article 3 (4) (b) of Directive 91/493/EEC requires that when live bivalve molluscs are processed the provisions of Chapter V of the Annex to that Directive be applied;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,