by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)
to the Commission
(08 May 2003)
Subject: ASP in scallops-testing regime
operating in France
What information is available from the
competent authorities in France with regard to testing for ASP in scallops
since 1998?
What is the extent of that information?
What steps have been taken by the
Commission to ensure that the French testing regime was adequate since the
introduction of Council Directive 91/492/EEC
P-1672/03EN
Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission
(6 June 2003)
The last report on an inspection mission
carried out in France, from 15 to 29 October 2001, to assess the
implementation of Council Directive 91/492/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down
the health conditions for the production and the placing on the market of
live bivalve molluscs, is published in the Union's website
(
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/inspections/vi/reports/index_en.html
).
In the report some general deficiencies
in the biotoxins control are highlighted. However, major problems for
testing ASP in scallops were not reported.
Nevertheless, the Commission will
contact the French Authorities to obtain more information about this
issue.
The Commission will inform the
Honourable Member as soon as the French Authorities have replied.
