Meeting of Biocide Competent Authorities 11-12 November 2015 The Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) Dara O'Shea
FVO Responsible for verifying compliance with EU standards Food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health Medical devices, active pharmaceutical ingredients Active in: Member States Candidate Countries Third Countries
Location….
FVO 160 staff: Admin & Audit 250 audits/missions per year, 2/3 in MS, 1/3 in TC Reports are published and available at: http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo/index_en.htm
FVO – 7 units F1: Country profiles, co-ordination and follow-up F2: Food of animal origin – mammals F3: Food of animal origin – birds and fish F4: Plant health, food of plant origin and food quality F5: Animal nutrition, import controls and residues F6: Animal health and welfare F7: Quality, planning and development
SECTOR F4.2 AUDIT/MISSION ACTIVITIES Pesticide Controls Authorisation Marketing and use of PPPs Pesticide residues Import Controls (FNAO) Organic Farming (DG AGRI) Food Supplements PDO/PGI Food Irradiation Biocides?
The F4.2 Pesticides team… Jan, Dara, Piroska, Tsvetana, Gonzalo Plus National Experts
FVO Missions/Audits Legal basis of audits is Reg 882/2004 Missions in absence of legal basis Fact finding, MS agreement Publication of Audit vs. Mission reports Mission/Audit series Team of 2-3 FVO staff & Nat Expert Duration:5-10 days
TYPICAL ITINERARY At central level Opening meeting Authorisation system reviewed Overall control system reviewed Closing meeting Two regions visited Meeting with regional CA Observe an inspection at a manufacturer/distributor/retailer Observe an inspection at a user
MISSION/AUDIT REPORT Legal Requirements Findings Conclusions (Recommendations) Draft Report Comments / (Action plan) Final Report
National Experts MS staff involved in authorisation/enforcement Training? An opportunity to learn An opportunity to share ideas
How the FVO adds value…. MS EU MS specific weaknesses/inefficiencies identified EU OVERVIEW REPORT Common weaknesses Issues with interpretation of legislation Gaps in legislation Best practices Exchange of ideas by Nat Experts & BTSF? BETTER EU WIDE CONTROLS?
Thanks for your attention. Questions….. dara.o'shea@ec.europa.eu