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The objective of the audit was to evaluate the implementation of national measures, aimed at the
control of residues and contaminants in live animals and animal products, in order to assess
whether these systems offer adequate assurance that the products and animals concerned are
within the specified residue limits laid down in EU legislation. Since the authorisation,
distribution and use of veterinary medicinal products and feed additives have an impact on the
monitoring of residues, the national rules governing the control systems in these areas were also
part of the audit.
The implementation of the residue monitoring plan is generally in line with the planned
arrangements and the system of supervising the implementation, to which some improvements
were made since the 2008 FVO residue mission, is effective. Nevertheless the policy to involve
food business operators in the transport of samples to laboratories could compromise the
effectiveness of residue controls. There is a comprehensive and complex system for follow-up of
residue violations and changes to procedures made since the 2008 FVO residue mission have
resulted in improvement to follow-up investigations. However, limited legal powers to apply
measures and/or sanctions and giving prior notice to farmers in advance of an on-farm
investigation remains a weakness in the system. With regard to the residue laboratories,
significant progress has been made in performance of the laboratory network carrying out testing
under the residues monitoring plan and in general, the competent authority can have confidence in
laboratory performance.
With regard to the Ractopamine-Free Production (RFP) of pig meat destined to be exported to the
EU, progress has been made including the drafting of legislation and protocols and establishment
of specific procedures. Nevertheless the system is still at an early stage of development and whilst
the competent authorities have taken prompt action when shortcomings have been identified, they
are not in a position to demonstrate that the RFP scheme can actually guarantee the production of
ractopamine-free pig meat at this stage.
FVO. European Union.
http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo
