Division 2.1 Frequency and status of sampling

Laying flocks shall be sampled at the initiative of the food business operator and by the competent authority.

Sampling at the initiative of the food business operator shall take place at least every 15 weeks. The first sampling shall take place at the flock-age of 24 +/– 2 weeks.

Sampling by the competent authority shall take place at least:

1. (a)

   in one flock per year per holding comprising at least 1 000 birds;

2. (b)

   at the age of 24 +/– 2 weeks in laying flocks housed in buildings where the relevant Salmonella was detected in the preceding flock;

3. (c)

   in F1... any cases where the competent authority considers it appropriate, using the sampling protocol laid down in point 4(b) of Part D to Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003;

4. (d)

   in all other laying flocks on the holding in case Salmonella Enteritidis or Salmonella Typhimurium is detected in one laying flock on the holding;

5. (e)

   in cases where the competent authority considers it appropriate.

A sampling carried out by the competent authority may replace one sampling at the initiative of the food business operator.