WRITTEN QUESTION E-3453/97 by Fernando Fernández Martín (PPE) to the Commission (31 October 1997)

Subject: Use of pesticides in banana growing

Various sources of information claim to have proof that in some countries of Latin America a large number of chemical compounds are used in banana growing, both fertilizers and pesticides, particularly nematicides.

According to reliable reports, some of these substances have posed a health risk both for those involved in banana growing, i.e. agricultural workers, and for consumers. It has been proven that some of these nematicides, such as that known as nemagon, have caused illnesses and other side-effects.

More than 6 000 agricultural workers are estimated to have become sterile as a result of using this product. Some of them have received compensation from the banana companies for whom they work and many others have lodged complaints with the courts, both in some of the producer countries and in the United States.

Does the Commission have any views on this thorny matter, which affects people's health? What measures has it taken or does it consider should be taken to guarantee that bananas imported from some Latin American countries and consumed in Europe do not pose a risk to consumers' health?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (19 December 1997)

The information currently available to the Commission indicates that aldicarb is the most important active substance for the control of nematodes in bananas in Latin American countries, and for that matter in all producer countries.

Under the programme of work established under Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market ((OJ L 230, 19.8.1991. )) a Community based system for the evaluation of active substances used as plant protection products was introduced. According to the provisions of Article 5 (a) and (b) of the Directive active substances can only be given positive Community listing when it has been demonstrated that the use of a particular active substance does not present an unacceptable risk to human and animal health and the environment. For third country uses the Commission is indeed charged with assessing the risk to Community consumers of imported products treated with active substances. However the impact of active substance use on the environment and operators in third counties falls outside the competence of Directive 91/414/EEC and is regulated by the authorities in the exporting Member States.

A first list of active substances for Community examination under the provisions of Council Directive 91/414/EEC was published in Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3600/92 of 11 December 1992 laying down the detailed rules for the implementation of the first stage of the programme of work referred to in Article 8 (2) of Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market ((OJ L 366, 15.12.1992. )). Aldicarb was one of the active substances included in this first list. This particular active substance is now at an advanced stage of technical and scientific examination, which should be concluded in the coming months. The Commission will then present a proposal concerning aldicarb together with any measures which may be considered necessary to protect the consumer.

In any event, the Commission is committed to establish a Community maximum pesticide residue level (MRL) for aldicarb/banana by 1 July 2000, as provided in Council Directive 95/38/EC of 17 July 1995 amending Annexes I and II to Directive 90/642/EEC on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables, and providing for the establishment of a list of maximum levels ((OJ L 197, 22.8.1995. )) concerning the establishment of MRL for fruit and vegetables. The Commission will, however, take action before this deadline should it be considered necessary, following conclusion of the evaluation under Directive 91/414/EEC.

Third countries will be informed of any decisions entailing a ban or a severe restriction of pesticides at Community level. This is done in the framework of the regime provided in Council Regulation (EEC) No 2455/92 concerning the export and import of certain dangerous chemicals ((OJ L 251, 29.8.1992. )).

A strengthening of the accepted residue levels for bananas at Community level would be notified to the World trade organisation (WTO) under the appropriate commitments of the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, if it would result in an alteration of the sanitary import conditions for bananas.