Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the "Proposal for a Council decision concerning the placing on the market and administration of bovine somatotrophin (BST) and repealing Council Decision 90/218/EEC"

(2000/C 51/22)

On 9 November 1999, the Council of the European Union decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Article 37 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Nielsen as rapporteur-general with the task of preparing the Committee's work on the subject.

At its 368th plenary session (meeting of 9 December 1999), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion by 46 votes with two abstentions.

1. Background

1.1. Since 1990 the Member States may not grant authorisation for placing on the market or administration in any form, of bovine somatotrophin (BST) to dairy cows on their territory(1). This moratorium expires at the end of 1999.

1.2. Further to the Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty, the European Convention for the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes and the report of 10 March 1999 by the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare, the Commission is proposing a permanent ban from 1 January 2000 on authorisation to place on the market or in any way administrate bovine somatotrophin (BST) to dairy cows. Undertakings buying, producing or marketing BST substances are required to keep registers detailing quantities etc.; on request, these must be made available to the authorities. The decision does not affect the Member States' production and imports of BST for purposes of its export to third countries.

1.3. The Commission points out, among other things, that it has not been proved scientifically or on the basis of experience, that BST is not detrimental to animal health or welfare. On the other hand, there is proof that BST can have harmful effects in the shape of clinical mastitis, food and leg disorders, reproduction capacity and reactions at the injection site. Apart from the fact that these disorders may cause animals pain, there is a risk of infecting other cows and hence causing a deterioration in the overall health of the herd.

2. The ESC's comments

2.1. The ESC fully endorses both the Commission's proposal for a ban on the use of BST and the Commission's arguments. However, the ESC considers that the Commission should indicate more precisely the degree of harm to animal health as set out in the scientific report.

Brussels, 9 December 1999.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Beatrice RANGONI MACHIAVELLI

(1) Council Decision 90/218/EEC (OJ L 116, 8.5.1990, p. 27), as last amended by Decision 94/936/EC (OJ L 366, 31.12.1994, p. 19).