ANNEX IIIBEEF
PART XIChecks on products
1.
The intervention agencies shall ensure that meat covered by this Regulation is so placed and kept in storage as to be readily accessible and in conformity with the provisions of Part IV Section VI, first subparagraph of this Regulation.
2.
The storage temperature may not rise above - 17 oC.
3.
Member States shall take all measures necessary to ensure satisfactory preservation, in terms of quality and quantity, of the products stored and shall replace damaged packaging immediately. They shall provide for cover against the relevant risks by insurance in the form of either a contractual obligation on storers or comprehensive coverage of the liability borne by the intervention agency. Member States may also act as their own insurers.
4.During storage, the competent authorities shall conduct regular checks on significant quantities of the products stored following awards under invitations to tender held during the month.
During such checks, any products found not to be in compliance with the requirements as laid down in this Regulation shall be rejected and marked as such. Without prejudice to the application of penalties, the competent authorities shall, if need be, recover payments from the responsible parties.
Such checks shall be conducted by officials who do not receive instructions from the department which buys the meat.
5.
The competent authorities shall take the necessary measures as regards traceability and storage to enable the products stored to be removed from storage and disposed of subsequently as efficiently as possible, having regard in particular to any requirements relating to the veterinary health status of the animals concerned.