Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 of 13 November 1984 determining the Community scale for grading pig carcases^f1, and in particular Article 5(2) thereof,

Whereas:

Under Article 2(3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84, the grading of pig carcases is to be determined by estimating the lean-meat content by means of statistically proven assessment methods based on the physical measurement of one or more anatomical parts of the pig carcase. The authorisation of grading methods is subject to compliance with a maximum tolerance for statistical error in assessment. This tolerance is defined in Article 3(2) of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 of 24 October 1985 laying down detailed rules for the application of the Community scale for grading pig carcases^f2.

Commission Decision 97/28/EC^f3 authorises a main method for grading pig carcases in France. Two other methods may also be used subject to the equivalence of results.

In view of technical developments in the herd, the French Government has asked the Commission to authorise the use of new formulae for the methods used under Decision 97/28/EC and has presented the elements required under Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 to this end.

Examination of this request has revealed that the conditions for authorising these grading methods are fulfilled.

No modification of the apparata or grading methods may be authorised except by means of a new Commission Decision adopted in the light of experience gained. For this reason, the present authorisation may be revoked.

For the sake of clarity Decision 97/28/EC should be repealed and replaced by this Decision.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: