Animal nutrition: official inspections

The European Parliament approved the text by Mr Bart STAES (Greens/EFA, B) on the agreement reached in the Conciliation Committee. It covers the rules relating to on-the-spot checks and animal inspections with a view to ensuring respect for high health standards. The compromise reached provides for the Commission to take unilateral safeguard measures in the event of an emergency with the Member States agreeing to provide 'full assistance' to all EU inspectors, who will be obliged to give advance notice of any planned visit. �