The aim of this report is to summarise the results of the national residue monitoring plans during 2006 in Member States. This report includes for the first time the data obtained in Romania and Bulgaria. 2006. Altogether, around 687 445 targeted samples (439 445 samples for all groups + 248 000 for inhibitor tests in Germany) and 52 000 suspect samples were taken in all Member States in 2006, i.e. 707 163 targeted samples (456 163 samples for all groups+ 251 000 for inhibitor tests) and 73 000 suspect samples in 2005.
Overall the picture shows a decrease of 3 % in the number of target samples taken for residue control together with an increase in the global number of non-compliant results.
There is a continuing problem with residues of antimicrobial agents throughout the commodities tested. This highlights the importance of Member States utilising broad spectrum antimicrobial screening tests and taking appropriate corrective and preventive measures to decrease the prevalence of such residues.
The banned substance chloramphenicol has been found in 13 Member States and in several food commodities.
Regarding animal products, in aquaculture most of non-compliant results were as in previous years for malachite green, found in fourteen Member States. The number of non-compliant results has increased from 45 targeted and 49 suspect in 2005 to 68 targeted and 101 suspect in 2006. Other non compliant results were for banned substances (chloramphenicol and nitrofurans one each), organochlorines, organophosphorous and heavy metals. The issue of malachite green warrants highlighting as the prevalence rate of residues detected in 2006 increased relative to 2005. Again Member States are reminded to redouble their efforts to eliminate the use of this non-authorised substance in aquaculture.