S.L. 437.70 Art. 6Official veterinary controls.

(1) Pending adoption of rules of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin and rules for controls applicable to foodstuffs and animal feed, Malta shall ensure that official animal health controls are carried out by their competent authorities to ensure compliance with this rule, its implementing rules and any safeguard measures relating to products of animal origin adopted pursuant to this rule. As a general rule, inspections must be unannounced and checks carried out in accordance with the provisions of Directive 89/662/ EEC.

(2) Pending adoption of rules of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin and rules for controls applicable to foodstuffs and animal feed, where infringements of animal health rules are identified, Malta shall take the necessary measures to remedy the situation in accordance with the provisions of Directive 89/662/ EEC.

(3) Experts from the Commission may carry out on-the-spot PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

checks, including audits, in cooperation with the competent authorities of Malta, insofar as is necessary for the uniform application of this rule. Malta shall provide the experts if checks are being carried out in its territory, with all the assistance necessary for carrying out their duties. The Commission shall inform the competent authority of the results of the checks made. If a serious animal health risk is identified during a Commission audit or inspection, Malta concerned shall immediately take all measures necessary to safeguard animal health. If such measures are not taken, or if they are considered to be insufficient, the Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 12(2) of Directive 2002/99/EC, take the measures necessary to safeguard animal health and inform the Member States thereof.