The European Parliament endorsed the report drafted by Mrs Marit PAULSEN (ELDR, Sw) on official inspections of animal nutrition and Directive 1999/29/EC on undesirable substances in animal nutrition.
In approving this proposal, the Parliament adopted various amendments, including one giving experts from the Commission and Member States permission to carry out on-the-spot inspections with cooperation of the national authorities, which would be required to give them full assistance in carrying out their duties.
In addition, there is an obligation on persons and operators to inform the official authorities when a batch of feed materials or feedingstuffs constitutes a serious risk for animal and/or human health and/or for the environment. This provision must not be seen as encouraging denunciation but basically as a means to enable the inspection services to take the necessary measures to withdraw a batch from circulation.
In the event of destruction, use for other purposes, redispatch to the country of origin or rendering harmless of the products, the Member State of destination shall contact the Member State of dispatch without delay.
Lastly, an annual report shall be drawn up by the Commission on the basis of the annual reports from the Member States and shall be presented to the European Parliament.�