Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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| 27.3.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 78/688 |

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(2004/C 78 E/0734)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1287/02

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 May 2002)

Subject:   The planting of oilseed rape

Is the Commission aware of any research into the effects on human health of oilseed rape cultivation — especially where it is grown in proximity to habitation?

Are there any plans to control the planting of this crop within close proximity of human habitation?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2002)

Similar written questions were put in 1991, 1992 and again in 1996 (E-1452/91 by Mr McCubbin[(1)](#ntr1-CE2004078EN.01068801-E0001), E-2414/91 by Mrs Ewing[(2)](#ntr2-CE2004078EN.01068801-E0002), E-2415/91 by Mrs Ewing[(3)](#ntr3-CE2004078EN.01068801-E0003), E-611/92 by Mr Raffin[(4)](#ntr4-CE2004078EN.01068801-E0004), E-2146/96 by Mrs McNally[(5)](#ntr5-CE2004078EN.01068801-E0005)). The Commission is not aware of a consensus within the scientific community on the matter raised in the Honourable Member's question. The Commission knows that there is some concern about the possible links between allergic symptoms in humans and the crop of oilseed rape and can confirm that several studies have been carried out on this subject[(6)](#ntr6-CE2004078EN.01068801-E0006), in particular by the Scottish Crops Research Institute and the University of Dundee[(7)](#ntr7-CE2004078EN.01068801-E0007). Given the result of the published papers, no conclusive evidence is available to demonstrate a direct cause effect on human health from oilseed rape cultivation.

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