WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3160/98 by Sören WIBE to the Commission. Right to ban imports of meat produced with regular use of antibiotics
Date: 1998-10-19
Institutions: European Parliament, WIBE
Subjects: Sweden, accession to the European Union, animal nutrition, animal product, antibiotic, application of EU law, free movement of goods, import restriction, national implementing measure, transitional period (EU)

C 207/34

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.7.1999

Nevertheless, some specific problems do still remain, as demonstrated in particular by the complaints from
Spanish operators. Under Spanish legislation, the guarantee mark can be affixed either by an official body or by
an authorised body. In the case of the latter, this body is one proposed by the manufacturer and expressly
authorised to do so by the national authorities, which carefully monitor the marking operations. This system is
therefore closely related to the quality assurance system. When it comes to effective recognition, the problems
arise, in practice, from the fact that those Member States which operate a third-party verification system refuse
to recognise that marks affixed under the responsibility of the manufacturer as part of a quality assurance
system are equivalent. It is under these conditions that the Commission has recorded a new series of
complaints and officially-identified cases and has re-established contact with all the Member States concerned
in order to find a solution to this problem. The authorities in the Member States have, in effect, been asked if
they are prepared to give equivalent recognition to marks affixed by a third party and those affixed under a
quality assurance system which offers suitable and sufficient guarantees of professionalism and independence.

(1) OJ C 209, 29.7.1994.

(1999/C 207/043)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3160/98

by Sören Wibe (PSE) to the Commission

(19 October 1998)

Subject: Right to ban imports of meat produced with regular use of antibiotics

Sweden has so far been allowed to retain its exemption banning the use of growth-promoting antibiotics in
fodder.

Does Sweden have the right, however, to ban imports of meat produced with regular use of antibiotics?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1998)

It is true that under Annex XV to the Act of Accession Sweden is authorised continue to apply its legislation in
force before accession until 31 December 1998 in the case of the ban on the use of a number of additives,
including antibiotics, in animal feed. Nevertheless,
in view of similar reports from scientists and from
international and national organisations on the development of resistance to antimicrobial agents, the
Commission has asked the Scientific Steering Committee to look into this question using a multidisciplinary
approach. The Commission will propose any measures it considers necessary in the light of the Committee’s
scientific advice.

The Act of Accession specifies that ‘these derogations may not have any effect on the free movement of animal
products of the Community’. Sweden may not therefore prohibit imports of meat produced from animals
whose feed contained antibiotics authorised by Council Directive 70/524/CEE of 23 November 1970
concerning additives in feedingstuffs (1).

(1) OJ L 270, 14.12.1970.

(1999/C 207/044)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3165/98

by Mathieu Grosch (PPE) to the Commission

(19 October 1998)

Subject: Benefits for frontier workers interrupting their careers

A female frontier worker employed in Germany can apply for a childcare allowance and childcare leave in
Germany even if she lives in Belgium. However, there is a problem for frontier workers from Germany who are
employed in Belgium and who apply for a career break to look after their children. If the person in question