WRITTEN QUESTION E-0074/00 by Marie-Noëlle Lienemann (PSE) to the Commission. Risks linked to BSE.
Date: 2000-01-24
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, health control

28.12.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 374 E/21

In order to avoid any doubts as to the scope of existing prohibition, the Commission has already drafted a
decision making clear that all materials obtained from the various phases of the waste water treatment
process are prohibited in compound feedingstuffs, irrespective of any further processing of these materials
and irrespective also of the origin of the waste waters. The standing committee for feedingstuffs is
currently examining this draft decision.

Unfortunately, feedingstuffs can be vehicles of diseases, which are transmissible from animal to man,
(i.e., (cid:145)zoonoses(cid:146)). For example: compound feedingstuffs contaminated with species of Salmonella might be
the source of a contamination with these dangerous bacteria. Consequently, to reduce possible hazards to
public health, Community law requires that only materials, which do not pose any risk, shall be used for
feeding purposes. Furthermore, the importance of implementing good manufacturing practices has to be
emphasised.

(1) OJ L 281, 9.10.1991.

(2000/C 374 E/025)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0074/00

by Marie-Noºlle Lienemann (PSE) to the Commission

(24 January 2000)

Subject: Risks linked to BSE

When does the Commission intend to propose the complete removal of infectious high-risk beef tissues
and organs throughout the Member States of the European Union, as called for by the chairman of the
European Scientific Committee?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2000)

The Commission has already presented a proposal (1) in January 1999 to the Council and the Parliament
for a regulation laying down the rules for the prevention and control of certain transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies (TSEs). This proposal, which includes comprehensive provisions on the removal of
specified risk materials (SRMs),
is currently under discussion in the Parliament and the Council. The
Commission urges both institutions to accelerate their consideration of this very important proposal which
is essential to the creation of a comprehensive framework to protect the public from the dangers
associated with TSEs.

In addition, the Commission has already proposed, on a number of occasions, safeguard measures
providing for the removal of specified risk materials (SRMs) throughout the Community. The most recent
effort, in December 1999, to introduce a safeguard measure failed to secure the necessary support of the
Member States. Discussions are continuing with the Member States with a view to presenting a further
proposal before end June 2000 which is capable of securing this support. The Commission has stressed
repeatedly the need for such a safeguard measure pending the adoption of the proposed regulation
outlined in the proceeding paragraph.

Finally, the Commission repeats the necessity for Member States to introduce and maintain national
measures on the removal of SRMs until Community-wide measures are in place.

(1) Draft Commission Decision regulating the use of material presenting risks as regards transmissible spongiform

encephalopathies and amending Decision 94/474/EC, document SEC(1999) 1944.