WRITTEN QUESTION E-0073/00 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission. Sewage sludge in animal feedstuffs.
C 374 E/20 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 28. 12. 2000 Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission (14 March 2000) The letter mentioned by the Honourable Member has been followed up or is currently being followed up in the assessment by the Commission of the admissibility of the plans submitted by the Member States for the programming period 2000-2006 and in the negotiations with the regions on the programmes. The Commission assesses each plan or programme as to its individual content, including from the point of view of the requirements of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1), and Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (2), the Habitats and Birds Directives. If certain elements of information are missing, the authority concerned (often through the Member State) must give a firm commitment that any possible negative impact on sites protected or to be protected under Natura 2000 will be properly assessed and appropriate measures will be taken. If needed, a time path for this commitment has to be established in the programme. Subsequently, the progress of the programme becomes conditional on the time path being followed. The Commission regrets the lack of compliance of some Member States, including Ireland, with the Habitats and Birds Directives. Appropriate action is being taken as is evidenced by the Court proceedings that have already been initiated. The negotiations with the Irish authorities on the plan for structural funding 2000-2006 are progressing according to the time schedule laid out in the general structural funds Regulation and the Commission is confident that the issues concerning the Habitats and the Birds Directives will find a satisfactory solution. (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992. (2) OJ L 103, 25. 4. 1979. (2000/C 374 E/024) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0073/00 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission (24 January 2000) Subject: Sewage sludge in animal feedstuffs Can the Commission allay EU consumersí fears that there is absolutely no risk to human health following alleged reports of animal feedingstuffs being contaminated by sewage sludge? Is the Commission also certain that diseases which threaten human health cannot be passed from any contaminated feed back into the human food chain? Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (3 March 2000) The animal nutrition sector is undoubtedly an important factor in obtaining healthy food products from animal origin. The use of sewage sludge as feed material is not acceptable. Even after processing under a high-pressure, high-temperature treatment, due to the presence of heavy metals, sewage sludge might present a risk for public and animal health if used as feedingstuff. Therefore, in order to deliver a high level of public health and consumer protection, Commission Decision 91/516/EEC of 9 September 1991, establishing a list of ingredients whose use is prohibited in compound feedingstuffs (1), specifically prohibits the use of sludge from sewage plants treating wastewaters. 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. , ázoonosesí). 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