WRITTEN QUESTION E-0893/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(22 March 2000)

Subject: Assessment of the dioxin crisis in Belgium

The dioxin crisis in Belgium once again demonstrated how vulnerable the food chain, and checks on it, are. An assessment such as that made by the Dioxin Committee of the Chamber of Representatives can help to eliminate problems. Both the European Union and the fifteen Member States have an important role to play in this

The Members of Parliament observe that the European directive on undesirable substances in feedingstuffs does not mention PCBs and dioxins. They consider that a positive list of permitted raw materials for feedingstuffs, such as used to exist prior to Directive 96/25/EC(1) of 29 April 1996, ought to be reintroduced.

1. Will the Commission amend the European directive with reference to undesirable substances in feedingstuffs by adding PCBs and dioxins to the list of undesirable substances?

(a) If so, within what time limit will the Commission submit the proposal for this amendment to the European Parliament?

(b) If not, why does the Commission not consider it necessary to add PCBs and dioxins to the Directive on undesirable substances, bearing in mind its position during the dioxin crisis in Belgium?

2. Should a positive list of raw materials permitted in feedingstuffs, such as existed prior to Directive 96/25/EC of 29 April 1996, be reintroduced, as the Dioxin Committee says?

(a) If not, why will the Commission not introduce a positive list, despite the lessons which have been learned from the dioxin crisis in Belgium?

(b) If so, how soon will the positive list be drawn up?

(1) OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 35.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 2000)

1. Council Directive 1999/29/EC of 22 April 1999 on the undesirable substances and products in animal nutrition(1) lays down maximum levels for undesirable substances and products in animal nutrition. With regard to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, a maximum limit for dioxins in citrus pulp has been established following the finding of high levels of dioxins in citrus pulp pellets originating from Brazil. After the finding of high level of dioxin in kaolinitic clay used as additive in feedingstuffs, a maximum limit of dioxins for kaolinitic clay has also been established by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2439/1999 of 17 November 1999 on the conditions for the authorisation of additives belonging to the group binders, anti-caking agents and coagulants in feedingstuffs(2).

As the consequence of the Belgian dioxin crisis, the establishment of maximum limits for dioxins and PCBs for other feed materials and feedingstuffs will be considered on the basis of a scientific risk assessment. The scientific committee for animal nutrition has been requested to evaluate the contribution of feedingstuffs contaminated with dioxins, PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs to the contamination of food of animal origin.

This evaluation involves the identification of feed materials, which could be considered as sources of contamination by dioxins, PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs of animal feedingstuffs, including fish feed. The scientific committee for animal nutrition would also assess the contribution of the different identified feed materials as sources of contamination of food of animal origin. It should take into account both the dietary variations in relation to animal categories, including fish, and the carry-over rate of dioxins and PCBs in the different animal products of animal origin.

As indicated in the white paper for food safety(3) under action 21 of the action plan on food safety, the Commission intends to adopt the measures by December 2000. In accordance with Article 7 § 3 of Council decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission(4), the Parliament shall be informed by the Commission of draft measures submitted to the standing committee for feedingstuffs.

2. The Commission would point out that although such positive list existed previously in some Member States including Belgium, such a positive list of feed materials has never existed at Community level.

As mentioned in the white paper on food safety, the Commission acknowledges the need to define clearly the materials, which may or may not be used in animal feed production, including animal by-products. A positive list of feed materials would give the clearest response but this task is complex and time-consuming. However, the Commission is committed to working towards a positive list over the medium term. In the short term, the current negative list needs to be rapidly expanded.

As indicated in the white paper for food safety under action 22 of the action plan on food safety, a proposal for amending Council Directive 96/25/EEC on the circulation of feed materials(5) could be adopted by the Commission for submission to the Council and Parliament by December 2002, following reflection to decide whether an exclusive positive list of authorised feed materials should be established. Furthermore, as indicated under action 30 of that action plan, a proposal for a regulation of the Parliament and of the Council establishing new rules for the disposal and the processing of animal waste and animal by-products is in preparation. This proposal will lay down a positive list of animal by-products, which may be used for the preparation of feed materials of animal origin. Its submission to the Council and to the Parliament is scheduled for June 2000.

(1) OJ L 115, 4.5.1999.

(2) OJ L 297, 18.11.1999.

(3) COM(1999) 719 final.

(4) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999.

(5) OJ C 261, 19.8.1998.