OBJECTIVE: the proposal for a Decision aims to develop new types of checks for viral and
bacteriological contamination of bivalve molluscs.
SUBSTANCE: in order to ensure an effective virus monitoring system, the Decision lays down that
a national reference laboratory is to be designated in each Member State to coordinate the
performance of the required analyses.
In order to ensure a standard inspection system in the Community, the laboratory of the Centre for
Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, in Weymouth (United Kingdom), is to be designated
as the Community reference laboratory, responsible for coordinating the inspections for
bacteriological and viral contamination of bivalve molluscs carried out by each national reference
laboratory.
The proposal lays down the responsibilities of the Community reference laboratory and the
conditions for its work; the laboratory's management is to undertake to carry out the responsibilities
laid down in the Decision.
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