No L 207/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 8. 79 COMMISSION DIRECTIVE of 24 July 1979 establishing Community methods of sampling for the official control of pesti- cide residues in and on fruit and vegetables (79/700/EEC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, Having regard to Council Directive 76/895/EEC of 23 November 1976 relating to the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on fruit and vegeta- bles ('), and in particular Article 6 thereof, Whereas that Directive requires that the official checks provided for therein to ensure compliance with maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on fruit and vegetables shall be carried out according to Community methods of sampling and of qualitative and quantitative analysis; Whereas, as a first stage, methods of sampling should be laid down ; Whereas, in formulating these methods, it has been recognized that on account of the variation in size, state and packaging (if any) of fruit and vegetables which are in circulation, the methods will only be practicable if certain operations are sufficiently empir- ical ; Whereas the measures provided for in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plant Health, (') OJ No L 340, 9. 12. 1976, p. 26. HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Article 1 The Member States shall require that sampling for the checks provided for in Article 6 of Directive 76/895/EEC be carried out in accordance with the methods described in the Annex hereto. Article 2 The Member States shall, not later than 31 December 1980, bring into force the laws, regulations or adminis- trative provisions necessary to comply with the provi- sions of this Directive. They shall forthwith notify the Commission thereof. Article 3 This Directive 1s addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 24 July 1979. For the Commission Finn GUNDELACH Vice-President