Press Release: European Commission proposes new rules for controls on food of animal origin

Official controls relating to hygiene of food of animal origin for human consumption are to be revamped under a new proposal adopted by the European Commission on 22 July 2002. The proposal is one of five making up the so-called “hygiene package” of measures foreshadowed in the action plan of the Commission's White Paper on Food Safety. This proposal provides for revised rules for official controls on fresh meat, live bivalve molluscs, and milk and milk products. The central aim of the proposal is to ensure a high level of protection for consumers, giving enhanced guarantees for the safety of products of animal origin.