This proposal for a regulation, on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products, clarified and improved existing procedures for the detection of residues. It required monitoring to be based essentially on targeted and unannounced inspections, the system of random sampling being of secondary importance. The keystone of the system remained the preparation by Member States of annual residue control plans, which had to employ a minimum rate of sampling but remain sufficiently flexible to take account of specific local circumstances and experience. The proposal prescribed the procedures to be used in the investigation and confirmation of cases of suspected fraud, which could include destruction of the batch of animals concerned where at least 10% of them tested positive for residues of illegal substances. Member States would also be asked to take the requisite measures to ensure that abattoirs cooperated on investigations into presumed infringements of the rules. This draft incorporated the Council's decisions on the powers and designation of Community reference laboratories for residue testing. The list of designated laboratories would have to be adjusted to take account of substances or residues not yet allocated.
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