(2004/C 70 E/284)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3400/03

by Niels Busk (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 November 2003)

Subject:   Interpretation of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002

Is it the Commission's view that the wording of Article 5(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (1) allows scope for the use of sanitisation methods other than heat treatment?

Is the Commission familiar with alternative sanitisation methods and when can authorisation of those methods be expected?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2003)

Article 5(2)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 of the Parliament and of the Council of 3 October 2002 laying down health rules concerning animal by-products not intended for human consumption provides that Category 2 animal by-products may be disposed of by other means or used in other ways in accordance with rules laid down under Comitology procedure, after consultation of the appropriate scientific committee. These means or ways may either supplement or replace those provided for in subparagraphs (a) to (f) of the same Article 5(2).

Therefore, methods other than heat treatment may be allowed provided that they have undergone a scientific risk assessment and are found to be safe as a result of such assessment vis-à-vis animal and public health and the environment.

The Commission has received a number of applications for approval of such methods, which were sent to the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) for opinion. The SSC has issued opinions, on the basis of which the Commission is discussing with Member States and with interested parties, the conditions for the approval of some of the methods. Authorisation is expected in the near future.

(1)  OJ L 273, 10.10.2002, p. 1.