Marine biotoxin monitoring reference laboratories
A Commission proposal for a Council Decision on reference laboratories for the monitoring of marine biotoxins (COM (92) 551 of 16.12.1992) annexes to the proposal a list of laboratories to be designated for this purpose. In the context of marine biotoxins affecting the placing on the market of fishery products (Council Directives 91/492/EEC of 15.7.1992 and 91/493/EEC of 22.7.1992) national reference laboratories will be responsible for the following tasks: - Coordinating the activities of national laboratories responsible for analysis of marine biotoxins in the relevant Member State; - Assisting the competent authority in the Member State to organize the monitoring system; - Organizing comparative tests between the various national laboratories; - Ensuring that the information supplied by the Community reference laboratory is disseminated to the competent authority in the relevant Member State and to the national laboratories. The national reference laboratories shall collaborate with the laboratory of the "Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo" in Vigo which (undertaking to satisfy certain operating conditions set out in the proposal) is designated to be the Community reference laboratory for the monitoring of marine biotoxins. This laboratory shall: - Supply information on analytical methods and comparative testing to the national reference laboratories; - Coordinate the application of these methods; - Coordinate the development of new analytical methods; - Organize training and advanced courses for staff of the national reference laboratories; - Collaborate with laboratories responsible for analysing marine biotoxins in third countries; - Provide scientific and technical assistance to the Commission, especially in cases where results of analyses are contested between Member States.
Countries
Spain