TITLE IIISPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF OFFICIAL CONTROLS AND THE UNIFORM MINIMUM FREQUENCY FOR OFFICIAL CONTROLS ON FRESH MEAT

CHAPTER II Official controls on fresh meat

Section 4 Official controls on specific hazards and laboratory testing

Article 37Specific requirements as regards laboratory tests

1.

When performing laboratory tests in accordance with Article 18(2)(d)(ii) and (iv) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the official veterinarian shall ensure that, when sampling takes place, samples are appropriately identified and handled and sent to the appropriate laboratory in the framework of:

(a)

the monitoring and control of zoonoses and zoonotic agents;

(b)

the annual programme for the monitoring of TSEs in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001;

(c)

the detection of pharmacologically active substances or products either prohibited or unauthorised, and controls for regulated pharmacologically active substances, pesticides, feed additives and contaminants exceeding applicable maximum Union limits, in particular in the framework of the national plans for the detection of residues or substances referred to in Article 110(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and in Article 5 of Directive 96/23/EC;

(d)

the detection of animal diseases for which animal health rules are laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429.

2.

The official veterinarian shall ensure that any additional laboratory testing deemed necessary for the fulfilment the obligations under Article 18(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 takes place as required.