91998E0487

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0487/98 by Honor Funk (PPE) to the Commission (17 February 1998)

Subject: EU ban on the import of meat from hormone-treated animals (ruling of the WTO Appeals Panel)

Pursuant to the ruling handed down by the WTO Appeals Panel, the EU is entitled to introduce, on a scientific basis, what it feels is an appropriate level of consumer protection which may be more stringent than that derived from international public health standards.

1. For which specific areas must the required scientific evidence for possible risks be produced?

2. Which experts have been commissioned by the EU to provide this evidence?

3. How much money is available for these scientific studies?

4. Are the Member States involved as well?

5. What scientific studies are to be carried out, and when will they begin?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-0487/98 and E-0568/98 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (30 March 1998)

The Appeals Panel of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has endorsed the Community's right to lay down a higher level of consumer health protection than that required by international standards, provided the measures are based on an assessment of the risks. Moreover the Appeals Panel has confirmed its opinion that the ban on using hormones in the Community was not based on a sufficiently specific risk assessment, notably as regards the carcinogenic and genotoxic aspects of hormone residues in animal meat.

The Community has informed the WTO of its intentions as regards the implementation of the Appeal Panel's recommendations and decisions of 30 March 1998.

Currently the Commission is deliberating how best to meet its international obligations. At this stage the Commission cannot yet answer questions as precise and detailed as those asked by the Honourable Member.