92002E0864

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0864/02

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(3 April 2002)

Subject: Possible harmful effects of Xanthine Oxidase in Milk

Is the Commission aware of the possibly harmful effect of Xanthine Oxidase in homogenised milk?

Will it take steps to ensure that milk labelling shows whether milk has been homogenised?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2002)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that, as outlined in the Commission's reply to written question E-2907/00 by Mr Clegg(1), it is not aware of any research showing that homogenised milk poses a threat to the health of the population.

Neither is the Commission aware of any scientific evidence of harmful effects of the physiological enzyme xanthine oxidase in homogenised milk. If such evidence in the future would establish that the process of homogenisation poses a threat to the health of the population, the Commission would of course then examine what course of action should be followed.

Concerning the labelling of homogenised milk, the Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that the proper information of the consumer is already foreseen in paragraph 3 of Article 5 of Directive 2000/13/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs(2): The name under which the product is sold shall include or be accompanied by particulars as to the physical condition of the foodstuffs or the specific treatment which it has undergone (e.g. powdered, freeze-dried, deep-frozen, concentrated, smoked) in all cases where omission of such information could create confusion in the mind of the purchaser.

(1) OJ C 136 E, 8.5.2001.

(2) OJ L 109, 6.5.2000.