Regulation (CE) N° 882/2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 29 April 2004.

Council Directive N° 89/662/EEC of 11 December 1989 concerning veterinary checks in intra-Community trade with a view to the completion of the internal market and Council Directive N° 97/78/EC of 18 December 1997 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the EU from third countries remain in place since they are very specifically designed for the organisation of the official controls on feed and food of animal origin.

• Guidance Document - Key questions related to import requirements and the new rules on food hygiene and official food controls.
• Guidance Document on official controls, under regulation (ec) no 882/2004, concerning microbiological sampling and testing of foodstuffs