BAKGRUNN (fra kommisjonsbeslutningen)

(1) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1004 (2) established the European Union reference laboratory for food improvement agents (‘EURL FIA’).

(2) In accordance with Article 93(2), point (a), of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the Commission followed a public selection process for the designation of the European Union reference laboratory for food improvement agents. The evaluation of the applications received was carried against the requirements and tasks set out in Articles 93(3) and 94 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and against the criteria set out in the call for selection.

(3) Based on the results of the evaluation, the Belgian laboratory Sciensano should be designated as the European Union reference laboratory for food improvement agents. Its work programme is to be established in accordance with the objectives and priorities of the relevant work programmes adopted by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/690 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3).

(4) In order to ensure that the appropriate level of methods of analysis, test or diagnosis, and the development of validated methods and the coordinated assistance of the official laboratory is maintained, and in accordance with Article 93(2), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the designation as European Union reference laboratory should be reviewed regularly.

(5) The designated EURL FIA should be given time to prepare its work programme for the next budgetary period. Therefore, this Decision should start to apply from 1 August 2024,