EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 70/231

(2004/C 70 E/248)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3176/03

by Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission

(27 October 2003)

Subject: Food safety and developing countries

The European Union has made significant efforts in the area of food safety in recent years. Following the adoption of general legislation on food, further implementing measures have been on the agenda, such as the package of directives on hygiene and controls (1).

1. What consequences has the greater concentration on food safety within the EU had, or what consequences will it have, for developing countries?

2. Which countries have seen their food exports to the EU decline?

3. Does the Commission anticipate, as a consequence of the legislation on hygiene and controls (2) a reduction, or an increase, in food exports to the EU from African, Asian and Latin American countries? Which countries will be particularly affected?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 2003)

With the package of new legislation concerning food safety, the requirements and related controls become more complete. The Commission has built in some flexibility by introducing the principle of equivalence in the control proposal and HACCP in the hygiene proposals. Indeed, the approach has totally changed with the introduction of the integrated chain approach from primary production until sale to the consumer, with responsibility being given to the producer, with the introduction of a systematic science based risk analysis and the precautionary principle, with the requirement of full traceability, with the introduction of modern meat inspection techniques and the application of HACCP. The Commission has closely ensured that the proposals complied with the provisions of the SPS Agreement of the World Trade Organisation. Furthermore, it must be pointed out that the newly introduced principles are in compliance with Codex Alimentarius. Nevertheless, Member States and exporting third countries have to adapt to the new situation. By the introduction of new legislation, the working methods of producers and controlling authorities and production and trade structures have to be adapted. As regards developing countries, the Commission introduced certain provisions in its control proposal. These provisions are aimed at strengthening, by technical assistance, the capacity of developing countries to implement the EU import requirements, particularly for drafting the yearly control plans.

At this moment it is not possible to make a statement on the possible influence of the new legislation on the existing exports to the U as the new legislation is only partially in force. The import requirements of the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002, laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (General Food Law) only come into effect on 1 January 2005. The hygiene package on the control proposal still has to be adopted.

(1) COM(2000) 438 final and COM(2003) 52 final.

(2) COM(2000) 438 final and COM(2003) 52 final.