7. 8. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 221/43 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 24 July 1986 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on foodstuffs of animal origin (86/363/EEC) 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 (?), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Whereas crop and animal production play 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, plant products and livestock against these organisms, not only to prevent a reduction in yield but also to increase agricultural productivity ; Whereas one of the most important methods of protect- ing plants, plant products and livestock from the effects of these harmful organisms is the use of chemical pesticides ; Whereas, however, these pesticides do not have only a favourable effect on plant and animal production, since they are 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 and animal products; Whereas these pesticides and the contaminants which may accompany them can present dangers for the environment and indirectly affect humans through animal products ; Whereas, in order to deal with these dangers, several Member States have already fixed maximum levels for () OJ No C 56, 6. 3. 1980, p. 14. () O] No C 28, 9. 2. 1981, p. 64. () OJ No C 300, 18. 11. 1980, p. 29. certain pesticide residues in and on foodstuffs of animal origin ; Whereas the differences which exist between Member States with regard to 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 organochlorine compounds in meat and meat products and milk and milk products, which must be observed when these products are put into circulation ; Whereas, moreover, observance of the maximum levels will ensure that the goods 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 foodstuffs of animal origin produced and consumed in their territory by a monitoring system and related measures so as to provide safeguards equivalent to those resulting from the levels laid down; Whereas it is normally sufficient to apply check sampling to fresh milk or frozen cream at the dairy or when it is put on sale to the final consumer; whereas, however, Member States should be authorized also to apply check sampling to fresh milk and fresh cream at an earlier stage ; ‘ Whereas it is not necessary to apply this Directive to products intended’ for export to third countries; Whereas Member States should be allowed to reduce temporarily the levels laid down if they unexpectedly prove to be dangerous to human or animal health; Whereas it is appropriate in that case to establish close cooperation between the Member States and the Commis- sion within the Standing Committee on Plant Health; Whereas, in order to guarantee compliance with this Directive when the foodstuffs in question are put into circulation, the Member States must provide for suitable control measures ; Whereas Community methods of sampling and analysis should be established to be used at least as reference methods ;