Analysis Results and subsequent Procedures
As soon as the results of analyses are available, all the wholesalers and importers involved are informed of the findings.The residues found are classified into 5 categories, whereby the first 4 concern active substances which are not allowed under the Regulation (EEC) 2092/91:
1. No residues found
2. Traces
(The labarotory result less an analytical variance of 50 % is smaller than the BNN orientation value: measured value - 50 % < 0.01 mg/kg)
3. Residues
(The labarotory result less an analytical variance of 50 % is above the BNN orientation value: measured value - 50 % > 0.01 mg/kg)
4. Residues above the Maximum Residue Level (MRL)
(measured value - 50 % is above the maximum residue level)
5. Crop protectantion agents allowed in organic agriculture at admissible levels
Residues in category 3 and 4:
A counter-analysis is commissioned if the residue level lies in category 3 or 4. This thus rules out erroneous findings because reliable laboratory results are obtained in case the where considerable residues are found. A reliable laboratory result which has been obtained after a second laboratory analysis confirms the findings of the first laboratory on the basis of the homogenate. The monitoring participants are informed of the result of the analysis and the producer is named. The participating wholesalers can notify the retailers. If there is a suspicion of non-conforming produce, the goods concerned are no longer marketed by the participants and the inspection bodies are informed.
Additional samples of ordered produce
If other goods from the same producer or re-packer have already been earmarked or loaded, a new sample is drawn by a neutral person with the authority of the importer/wholesaler concerned. A differentiation is made here between case A and case B:
Case A - No residues:
If no residues are found, the produce is unpolluted and can be traded. The results of the new sample are notified promptly to the participant in the monitoring system.
Case B - residues found:
If residues are detected and there is a suspicion of non-conforming produce, the party that commissioned the sample must block the goods immediately and investigate where the pollution came from.
Rejection of new orders
In the case of new orders, none of the participants shall order the product from the producer until the producer/packer has identified the cause of the pollution and has been able to exclude this from future deliveries. The producer's other products or batches/containers from the exporter are sampled as per the schedule. The Coordination Office forwards the results of the investigations to all participants.
