WRITTEN QUESTION P-1628/02 by Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission. Toxic substance in food.
Date: 2002-06-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: World Health Organisation, chemical product, disease prevention, foodstuff, foodstuffs legislation, labelling, scientific committee (EU), toxic substance

C 277 E/230

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.11.2002

When does the Commission expect to receive the proposals for Natura 2000 designation from Cyprus, and
will the Commissioner confirm that if these do not embrace a sufficient area to protect the full diversity of
the island’s flora and fauna they will be returned for reconsideration?

Is the Commission aware of widespread expectations that the Government of Cyprus intends only to
propose a limited area of
the Akamas peninsula for Natura 2000 designation, despite the recom-
mendations of its own advisors that a much larger area should be included, and that the Government
intends to permit a variety of different tourism-related construction projects to proceed on the land where
designation is disputed? It is also suggested that permission for development may be given before any
Natura 2000 proposal for the area is submitted.

What steps can, and will, the Commission take to ensure that development does not take place in the
Akamas either prior to the submission of the Natura 2000 proposals or in the interim period between
their submission and subsequent review and final approval by the Commission?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 July 2002)

The Commission is able to confirm that during the accession negotiations with the Cypriot authorities it
has continued to stress that all new investments should comply with the environmental acquis. It has also
insisted that if an area is likely to be proposed for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network, its conservation
values should not be jeopardised by any ongoing or future development.

Cyprus is due to formally submit its proposals for Natura 2000 sites by the date of accession to the Union.
It is currently undergoing public consultation on its proposals and the Commission understands that there
has been a strong public reaction to this process. The Commission will closely examine these submissions
and take appropriate steps to address any shortcomings or omissions.

The Commission is aware that there are many claims over intended actions for the Akamas Peninsula but
has not been informed of any definitive decisions that have been taken. The actions that the Commission
could take in the pre-accession period would be dependent on the exact nature of any decision taken by
the Cypriot authorities.

(2002/C 277 E/253)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1628/02

by Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: Toxic substance in food

Results from recent research by Swedish scientists and the British Food Standards Agency have revealed
the presence of a particularly toxic substance, acrylamide, suspected of causing genetic mutations,
in
prepared food available on the market and widely consumed.

On the basis of the above and in view of the precautionary principle, could the Commission say whether it
is aware of this issue, comment on the reliability of the research and say whether it intends to take
measures to correct matters, such as screening foods for this substance and instituting compulsory
labelling?

14.11.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 277 E/231

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 2002)

The Honourable Member is invited to refer to the answer to the written question E-1404/02 by Jean-
Maurice Dehousse (1).

In addition, regarding the possible use of labelling, it should be noted that labelling is not an acceptable
alternative to providing safe food. In this instance, further investigations are necessary and are underway to
clarify the extent of the risk posed and to determine how best to manage that risk.

(1) See page 201.

(2002/C 277 E/254)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1634/02

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(10 June 2002)

Subject: Rodeos in Europe

Rodeos involve cruelty to animals for purposes of entertainment and are often described as ‘American
bullfighting’. The cattle and horses involved are not ‘wild’ animals, but European domestic animals. For full
entertainment value to be achieved, the animals have to ‘buck’. This is brought about by inflicting severe
pain on them. The girth is pulled very tight as the animal leaves the starting box, with the effect of
constricting the lower abdomen or genitals of male and female animals. Electric shocks may also be used.
Falls suffered by the animals cause broken necks, fractured bones, grazes and severe internal
injuries.
Furthermore, frequent transportation and changes of location place the animals under stress.

There is no rodeo tradition in Europe; rodeo forms no part of its cultural, religious or regional heritage.
Rodeos were brought to Europe by American soldiers who organised them as a leisure activity, and were
initially confined to US barracks. Now rodeos are also taking place in civilian locations at fairs and in so-
called ‘Western towns’. Rodeos are held in Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and the Czech Republic.
Like cock fighting and dog fighting, rodeos are mainly confined to the same small circle of enthusiasts and
do not attract a large public. As in the case of the bullfighting industry, private rodeo organisers are trying
to extend their business operations to the former Eastern bloc countries.

What does the Commission envisage doing to prevent the cruel practice of rodeo in Europe?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2002)

The Commission shares the view of the Honourable Member that unnecessary suffering of animals is not
acceptable.

The Commission places great importance on animal welfare. The Community has adopted general rules on
the rearing of animals with the view to protecting their welfare. More detailed conditions have been laid
down on the rearing of calves, pigs and laying hens. The Community has also passed legislation on animal
transport and the conditions for the slaughter of animals. Community rules also exist on the use of
animals for scientific research.

Regulation of competitions and similar events is however largely a matter for Member States, and at least
in the absence of evidence that divergent national approaches were hindering the functioning of the
internal market, the Community’s power to act is rather limited.