Session 1
European expert network for animal proteins in feedingstuffs:
a single task force

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Dr Pascal Veys, Dr Gilbert Berben and Dr Vincent Baeten
CRL for Animal Proteins in feedingstuffs,Walloon Agricultural Research Centre,
Gembloux, Belgium

The European official pyramidal control structure for the detection of animal proteins in feedingstuffs constitutes the world biggest network for PAP detection.  The top level -or coordinating- role is achieved by the CRL-AP in close collaboration with the DG Sanco, EC. 

The CRL-AP has the following missions:

1. to provide scientific advise and support to the European Commission,
2. to coordinate the activities of the NRL network from the Member States,
3. to organise interlaboratory studies and proficiency tests for the NRLs even as to provide quality assistance,
4. to develop new analytical methods and
5. to organise the needed trainings, workshops and formations. 

Among the tasks of the CRL-AP, the hosting of centralised services such as repositories of protocols, on-line micrographs and samples collections and the development of a secure intranet for the exchange of information is critical. 

At the country level, each NRL of a Member State is also responsible for the supervision and organisation of the PAP detection, including also survey, training and control of all accredited laboratories within a Member States.  Thus the total number of searchers involved in this coordinated control activity reaches about 180 people over 147 official control labs in EU.