FS616026 NATIONAL REFERENCE LABORATORY for Bacteriological and Viral Contamination of Bivalve Molluscs

The UK has a legal obligation (through adopting the Official Food and Feed Controls Regulations 2009) to appoint National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) to aid the work of the EU Reference Laboratories (EURLs). The work of the NRLs is driven by the programme of the respective EURLs. It is a statutory requirement to have NRLs for the corresponding EURL work areas. Core functions and duties of the appointed NRLS are cited in Article 33 of the EC Regulation 882/2004. It is also the role of the NRLs to provide advice and support to the enforcement laboratories and the Competent Authorities to ensure a harmonised approach to food enforcement in the EU.