WRITTEN QUESTION E-0734/96 by Reimer Böge (PPE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Possible effects of rBST on human health

It has been proved that treatment with rBST (recombined bovine somatotropin) can produce serious side-effects in animals. Among other effects, cows treated with rBST are significantly more susceptible to disease. Scientists disagree as to the possible effects of rBST on humans.

In 1994 Professor Samuel Epstein, President of the American association for the prevention of cancer, drew attention to studies showing a significant increase in the concentration of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) in the milk of cows treated with rBST. rBST could have an indirect effect on human health via such IGF-1. Various research studies indicate, inter alia, an increased risk of breast cancer in women and a link between IGF-1 and malignancy, increase and invasive growth of existing breast cancers. In January of this year Professor Epstein submitted a new study. The professor of medicine at the university of Chicago backed up and strengthened his earlier assertions in the light of new research ('Unlabelled Milk from Cows Treated with Biosynthetic Growth Hormones: A Case of Regulatory Abdication', International Journal of Health Services, Vol.26 No 1, 1996).

What information does the Commission have concerning the possible effects of higher concentrations of IGF-1 in the milk of cows treated with rBST?

What were the findings on this subject of the EU-funded study presented on 30 January 1996 at the workshop in the Hague on 'Socio-Economic aspects of modern biotechnology in the EU:the case of BST'?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1996)

Member States have to ban, until 31 December 1999, the placing on the market of bovine somatatrophin (BST) and its administration to dairy cows ((Council Decision 94/936/EC of 20.12.1994, OJ L 366, 31.12.1994. )).

The committee for veterinary medicinal products which studied the scientific data on the products concerned, including that available in relation to insulin-like growth factor (14 F-1) did not find evidence of danger to human health. It did, however, recommend that Member States carry out larger-scale studies for a period of two years, under veterinary control, in order to determine the effects of BST on cases of mastitis and associated metabolic disorders in normal use. These tests were considered necessary in order to arrive at a definitive decision. To date no Member State has formally indicated to the Commission its wish to do this. When data is available the Commission will entrust a working party of independent scientists, in collaboration with the Member States, with the task of assessing the effects of using BST.

The Commission has not appraised the 1996 study mentioned by the Honourable Member. The report of the workshop on 'socio-economic aspects of biotechnology in the Community' cited by the Honourable Member will be available later this year. The Commission will study it carefully and draw the appropriate conclusions.