The Council common position is very much in line with the spirit and substance of the Commission proposal. Nevertheless a number of changes have been made to the text by the Council. They are as follows:
- In terms of water consumed by animals, a new recital has been introduced whereby water should be covered by the term animal feed.
- An exhaustive list of legislative acts has been incorporated under the scope of the Directive.
- In terms of definitions, the common position proposes to clarify the text by adding four new definitions namely, 'undesirable substance', 'premixtures'; 'products intended for animal feed'" and 'putting into circulation'. The term 'Pet animal' has been deleted.
- In terms of putting food into circulation, the new wording of the text provides that, when correctly used, animal feed must not represent any danger to human health, animal health or to the environment and must not negatively affect livestock production.
- Under the heading 'Action thresholds', an additional provision has been included whereby all relevant information is transmitted to the Commission and the other Member States. Additionally, the Council common position has introduced a new Annex listing the action thresholds that will trigger investigations.
- A more explicit wording has been devised concerning prohibiting the dilution of products containing levels of an undesirable substance that exceed the maximum level.
- On the matter of detoxification, a new paragraph has been added, stating that measures must be taken to ensure the correct application of detoxification processes and the conformity of the detoxified products.
- Concerning monitoring, the text was replaced by a provision laying down the procedure to be followed when measures that may affect health or the environment are taken.
- Lastly, an additional clause has been added allowing for a more explicit use of the return of contaminated products to third countries.
- The dates laid down for the implementation of the Directive were amended in order to allow Member States sufficient time to apply them.
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