Animal products for human consumption: animal health rules

SUMMARY OF:

Directive 2002/99/EC: animal health rules on the production, processing, distribution and introduction of animal products for human consumption

SUMMARY

WHAT DOES THE DIRECTIVE DO?

• It lays down general animal health rules for products intended for human consumption.
• These cover all stages of the production, processing and distribution processes carried out within the EU, and imports from other countries.

KEY POINTS

• National authorities must ensure that all those involved in the food chain do not spread transmissible diseases to animals.
• Products must come from animals which are not covered by any territorial health restrictions.
• Meat and meat products are forbidden from premises where there were infected animals, or animals suspected of being infected, during the slaughtering process.
• Edible products must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate.
• National authorities carry out official animal health controls. The inspections are generally unannounced.
• European Commission experts, in conjunction with national authorities, may carry out on-the-spot checks and audits. They have the same inspection powers in non-EU countries.
• If a serious risk is identified, national authorities must take every measure necessary to safeguard the health of the animals.
• Imports
  • must comply with EU animal health rules;
  • may only come from countries which prove they meet these requirements;
  • must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate.

Repeal

Directive 2002/99/EC will be repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 from 2 April 2021.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

It applies since 12 February 2003. EU countries had to incorporate it into their national law by 31 December 2004.

BACKGROUND

The EU has taken specific measures against the following animal diseases:

• Classical Swine Fever
• African Swine Fever
• African horse sickness
• Foot-and-mouth disease
• Avian influenza
• Blue tongue
• Newcastle disease
• Aquaculture diseases
• Other diseases.

For more information, see ‘Other products of animal origin’ on the European Commission's website.

ACT

Council Directive 2002/99/EC of 16 December 2002 laying down the animal health rules governing the production, processing, distribution and introduction of products of animal origin for human consumption (OJ L 18, 23.1.2003, pp. 11–20)

The successive amendments to Directive 2002/99/EC have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

last update 24.05.2016