91998E3792

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3792/98

by Niels Kofoed (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Robots used for milking and Directive 89/362, Chapter III(4)

Pursuant to Chapter III(4) of Directive 89/362(1) on hygiene, before the milking of the individual cow the milker must inspect the appearance of the milk. It is not possible to comply with this requirement, however, if robots are used for milking. Nevertheless, more than 400 robots are used for milking in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy and the UK.

What does the Commission intend to do to ensure that the rules are applied uniformly throughout the Union? Will the Commission amend the directive to allow the use of robots under certain conditions? Is the Commission considering measures to enforce the current rules?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(21 January 1999)

The Commission has been informed of the existence of the milking robots to which the Honourable Member refers. They allow each animal to be milked when it wishes; while the milk cannot be visually inspected by a human operator as a result, it does represent progress both in terms of animal welfare and the farmer's improved quality of life. Physical or chemical sensors should make it possible to assess the quality of the milk as accurately as a visual examination alone.

The Commission intends to evaluate the objectivity of these advances and their compatibility with the highest levels of food safety, which must of course remain paramount. As part of a more general project to simplify the veterinary health directives, the Commission will make inspection visits to Community milk establishments and, based on the resulting reports, will amend the rules if necessary.

(1) OJ L 156, 8.6.1989, p. 30.