Article 1
Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 is amended as follows: 1. In Article 2(1): (a) the third indent is replaced by the following: "- for determination of the wax content, the method given in Annex IV,"; (b) the following indent is added: "- for determination of the aliphatic alcohol content, the method given in Annex XIX,". 2. Article 2(2) is replaced by the following: "2. Verification by national authorities or their representatives of the organoleptic characteristics of virgin oils shall be effected by tasting panels approved by the Member States. The organoleptic characteristics of an oil as referred to in the first subparagraph shall be deemed consonant with the category declared if a panel approved by the Member State confirms the grading. Should the panel not confirm the category declared as regards the organoleptic characteristics, at the interested party's request the national authorities or their representatives shall have two counter-assessments carried out by other approved panels, at least one by a panel approved by the producer Member State concerned. The characteristics concerned shall be deemed consonant with the characteristics declared if at least two of the counter-assessments confirm the declared grade. If that is not the case, the interested party shall be responsible for the cost of the counter-assessments." 3. The second subparagraph of Article 2(3) is replaced by the following: "Without prejudice to standard EN ISO 5555 and Chapter 6 of standard EN ISO 661, the samples taken shall be put in a dark place away from strong heat as quickly as possible and sent to the laboratory for analysis no later than: - the tenth working day after they are taken, during the period from October to May, and - the fifth working day after they are taken, during the period from June to September." 4. The following paragraph is added at the end of Article 2: "5. For the purpose of determining the characteristics of olive oils by the methods provided for in paragraph 1, the analysis results shall be directly compared with the limits laid down in this Regulation." 5. Articles 3 and 3a are deleted. 6. Article 3b becomes Article 3. 7. Article 4(1) is replaced by the following: "1. The Member States may approve assessment panels so that national authorities or their representatives can assess and verify organoleptic characteristics. The terms of approval shall be set by Member States and ensure that: - the requirements of Annex XII.4 are met, - the panel head is given training recognised for this purpose by the Member State, - continued approval depends on performance in annual checks arranged by the Member State. Member States shall notify to the Commission a list of approved panels and the action taken under this paragraph." 8. Article 5 is deleted. 9. The Annexes are amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.