Division 4 In order to exclude false-positive initial results, the competent authority may lift the restrictions laid down in point 2 of this Part:F1

1. (a)

   when the flock of layers is not the source of infection for humans by the consumption of eggs or egg products F2...; and

2. (b)

   where the flock is subjected to a F3... control programme established under Article 5 and Salmonella serotypes for which a target for reduction has been set, is not confirmed by the following sampling protocol carried out by the competent authority:

   1. (i)

      the technical specifications F4that were presented at the meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 15 July 2004; however, a sub-sample of 25 grams must be collected of each faecal material and dust sample for analysis; all samples must be analysed separately;

      or

   2. (ii)

      bacteriological investigation of the caeca and oviducts of 300 birds;

      or

   3. (iii)

      bacteriological investigation of the shell and the content of 4 000 eggs of each flock in pools of maximum 40 eggs.

In addition to the sampling in point (b), the competent authority shall verify the absence of the use of antimicrobials, potentially affecting the result of the analyses of the sampling.