WRITTEN QUESTION E-3133/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(4 November 2002)

Subject: Tolerated levels of anabolic steroids

In three regions of Italy, Lombardy, Piemonte and Emiglia-Romagna, under Law No 336 of 4 August 1999 calves have been confiscated as a precaution because traces of boldenone, an anabolic steroid with an androgynous-type hormonal effect, which is regarded as a doping substance, was found in their urine. Veterinary experts claim that this steroid is a hormone produced by the calves themselves, as a result of which countries of the European Union tolerate significantly higher levels than in Italy. The Netherlands national institute for the environment and health, one of the most authoritative in Europe on steroids and doping, says in its studies that boldenone can be endogenous, caused by the transformation of phytosteroles, which are legitimately present in animal feed. In March the Italian Minister of Health asked the Netherlands to provide blanket certification of the absence of boldenone in every single calf sent to Italy.

In view of this confusion:

1. Can the Commission affirm that this steroid may be tolerated in the everyday consumption of veal and baby-beef imported into Italy without concern?

2. If so, are the measures laid down by Italian law too restrictive?

3. If not, what measures does it intend to take to prevent damage to public health as a result of too lax standards?

4. What proposals does it intend to bring forward in any case to prevent consumer health being put at risk, to a greater or lesser extent depending on where veal calves come from?

5. Who guarantees food safety in this case?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2002)

The use of boldenone, as of all steroid hormones, is banned in stockfarming in the Community by Council Directive 96/22/EC(1) on the prohibition of certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of beta-agonists.

When boldenone is injected into bovine animals, it is found under two different forms in their urine: as 17-alpha boldenone and 17-beta boldenone. According to currently available scientific knowledge, 17-alpha boldenone has been found in urine samples of bovines that have never been injected with boldenone. Therefore, a possible natural occurrence of 17-alpha boldenone in urine of bovine animals cannot be excluded.

The Commission is aware that there is a divergence of views on this issue and is endeavouring to clarify it. At the request of the Commission, the relevant Community Reference Laboratory is compiling the information available in the Member States on the possible natural occurrence of boldenone in non-treated animals. The Commission has taken up contact with the Italian competent authorities in order to clarify the issue.

There is currently scientific consensus that the presence of 17-beta boldenone in urine indicates an illegal treatment. According to the Community legislation, animals or products where 17-beta boldenone is detected should be withdrawn from the food chain. When only 17-alpha boldenone is found, further investigations should be carried out in order to establish

whether the animals have been treated illegally, in line with Council Directive 96/23/EC(2) on monitoring certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products. The Commission considers that these provisions ensure consumer health protection.

(1) Council Directive 96/22/EC of 29 April 1996 concerning the prohibition on the use in stockfarming of certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of beta-agonists, and repealing Directives 81/602/EEC, 88/146/EEC and 88/299/EEC, OJ L 125, 23.5.1996.

(2) Council Directive 96/23/EC of 29 April 1996 on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products and repealing Directives 85/358/EEC and 86/469/EEC and Decisions 89/187/EEC and 91/664/EEC, OJ L 125, 23.5.1996.