General obligations of the competent authorities as regards enforcement action
Article 137
1. When acting in accordance with this Chapter, the competent authorities shall give priority to action to be taken to eliminate or contain risks to human, animal and plant health, animal welfare or, as regards GMOs and plant protection products, also to the environment. 2. In case of suspicion of non-compliance, the competent authorities shall perform an investigation in order to confirm or to eliminate that suspicion. 3. Where necessary, actions taken in accordance with paragraph 2 shall include: (a) the performance of intensified official controls on animals, goods and operators for an appropriate period; (b) the official detention of animals and goods and of any unauthorised substances or products as appropriate.