. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/GEN/123/Add.2
5 August 1999
(99-3318)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:  English
DIOXIN CONTAMINATION OF CERTAIN ANIMAL PRODUCTS INTENDED
FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL CONSUMPTION
Supplementary Information from the European Communities
1. On 9 July 1999, the European Commission adopted Decision 1999/449/EC (published in the
Official Journal of the European Communities L 175 of 10 July 1999), which repealsDecisions 1999/363/EC and 1999/389/EC as ame nded by Decisions 1999/390/EC and 1999/419/EC.
This has created a single consolidated text covering all the measures to protect human and animal
health following the contamination of com pound feedingstuff with dioxin in Belgium in
January 1999.
2. Decision 1999/449/EC adjusts the measures taken in the previous Decisions taking into
account recent developments in investigations into the source and extent of the dioxin contamination.
3. In particular, the results of the scientific investigation conducted for dairy products have
permitted the Commission, acting on the advice of the Standing Veterinary Committee, to lift the
restrictions on Belgian milk and milk products.   As a consequence, all Belgian milk products and
products containing milk derivatives are now accepted as fit for human consumption, whatever thedate of production.
4. Similarly, on the basis of scientific advice, the restrictions on egg products which consist
solely of egg white have been lifted.
5. Decision 1999/449/EC also clarifies the situation with respect to some Belgian products for
human consumption, which may contain a low percenta ge of animal fat.  These products are free from
restrictions as long as the animal fat (excluding milk fat) percentage is less than 2 per cent.
6. The standard health certificates laid down in Decisions 1999/390/EC and 1999/419/EC have
been modified to take account of the new situation.  However, certificates made in accordance with
Decision 1999/390/EC and issued before the entry in to force of Decision 1999/449/EC remain valid.
7. Maximum tolerance levels have been laid down in Annex A of the Decision for the seven
PCB-congeners which are considered to be reliable indicators for the possible presence of dioxin in
poultry meat, eggs, egg products and milk products in this particular case of contamination.  Thelevels are based on the findings of a Commi ssion working group and the recommendations of the
Scientific Committee for Food.  When analysis is required on other products, dioxin tests must be
used.
8. The European Commission will remain in touch wi th the Belgian authorities and adjust the
measures to take account of any new information.G/SPS/GEN/123/Add.2
Page 2
9. To inform third countries on the implications of the adoption of the Decision the European
Commission held a meeting in Brussels on 8 July 1999 to which all third country missions in Brussels
were invited.
10. Copies of Commission Decision 1999/ 449/EC (available in all EC languages) can be obtained
from the EC SPS Enquiry Point, or on the EUR-Lex site (http:europa.eu.int/eur-lex).
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