PURPOSE : to tighten the rules on undesirable substances in animal feed.
COMMUNITY MEASURE : directive 32/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on undesirable substances in animal feed.
CONTENT : This Directive recasts Directive 1999/29/EC by fixing more restrictive maximum levels for such substances used in animal feed. It provides that undesirable substances may be present in products intended for animal feed only in accordance with the conditions laid down in this directive. In order to reduce or eliminate sources of undesirable substances, Member States, in co-operation with economic operators, will carry out investigations to identify the sources of undesirable substances, in cases where the maximum levels are exceeded and where increased levels are detected, tacking into account background levels. For a uniform approach in cases of increased levels, the directive provides for the possibility of setting action thresholds to trigger investigations. Since it has been established that additives may contain undesirable substances, the scope of the Directive is extended to cover additives. Products intended for animal feed may enter the Community from third countries only if they are sound, genuine and or merchantable quality and therefore, when correctly used, do not represent any danger to human health, animal health or to the environment or could adversely effect livestock production. Such products will not be deemed to conform with the Directive if the level of undesirable substances they contain does not comply with the maximum levels laid down. Products that exceed the maximum levels must not be mixed for dilution purposes with the same or other products, intended for animal feed.
The new provisions also restrict the re-exportation of dangerous consignments of feed.
Council statement attached to the directive states that the Member States confirm that they shall do their utmost to ensure that the relevant measures needed to implement the Directive are adopted expeditiously within the time periods laid down.
DATE OF TRANSPOSITION : 01/05/03.
DATE OF APPLICATION : 01/08/03.
�