Commission Decision of 2 September 2004 on the list of establishments in New Caledonia from which Member States may authorise importation of fresh meat into the Community (notified under document number C(2004) 3296) (Text with EEA relevance) (2004/628/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine, ovine and caprine animals, and swine, fresh meat or meat products from third countries^f1, and in particular Article 4(1) and Article 18(1)(a) and (b) thereof,

Whereas:

Directive 72/462/EEC provides that establishments in third countries may only be authorised to export fresh meat to the Community if they satisfy the general and special conditions laid down in that Directive.

The animal health situation in New Caledonia is comparable to that existing in the Member States, particularly as regards disease transmission through meat, and that the operation of controls over the production of fresh meat is satisfactory.

For the purposes of Article 4(3) of Directive 72/462/EEC, New Caledonia has forwarded details concerning the establishments that should be authorised to export fresh meat to the Community.

The establishments put forward by New Caledonia meet all the requirements laid down in Directive 72/462/EEC in order to be designated as slaughterhouses, cold stores and approved cutting plants from which imports into the Community may be permitted in accordance with Article 18 of that Directive.

The hygiene standards of those establishments are satisfactory and the establishments may therefore be included in the list of establishments to be drawn up in accordance with Directive 72/462/EEC, from which imports of fresh meat into the Community may be authorised.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: