7. 8. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 221/37 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 24 July 1986 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on cereals (86/362/EEQC) | THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Articles 43 and 100 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission "), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (3), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Whereas crop production plays a very important role in the Community ; Whereas the yield from that production is continually affected by harmful organisms and weeds; Whereas it is absolutely essential to protect plants and plant products against these organisms, not only to prevent a reduction in yield or damage to the products harvested but also to increase agricultural productivity ; Whereas one of the most important methods of protect- ing plants and plant products from the effect of these harmful organisms is the use of chemical pesticides ; Whereas, however, these pesticides do not haye only a favourable effect on plant production, since they are () OJ No C 56, 6. 3. 1980, p. 14. () OJ No C 28, 9. 2. 1981, p. 64. () OJ No C 300, 18. 11. 1980, p. 29. generally toxic substances or preparations with dangerous side-effects ; Whereas a large number of these pesticides and of their . metabolites or breakdown products may have harmful effects on consumers of plant products; Whereas these pesticides and the contaminants which may accompany them can present dangers for the environment ; Whereas, in order to deal with these dangers, several Member States have already fixed maximum levels for certain residues in and on cereals ; Whereas the differences which exist between Member States as regards the maximum permissible levels for pesticide residues can help to create barriers to trade and thus hinder the free movement of goods within the Community ; Whereas, for this reason, in an initial stage, maximum levels should be fixed for certain active substances in cereals, which must be observed when these products are put into circulation ; Whereas, moreover, observance of the maximum levels will ensure that the cereals can circulate freely and that the health of consumers is properly protected ; Whereas at the same time the Member States should be enabled to authorize the monitoring of levels of pesticide residues in cereals produced and consumed in their terri- tory by a system of surveillance and related measures so as to provide safeguards equivalent to those resulting from the levels laid down;