91998E3270

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3270/98

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(30 October 1998)

Subject: Hygiene during meat-processing operations

The Austrian legislation governing hygiene in meat-processing plants is based on Directive 93/43/EEC of 14 June 1993(1). Accordingly, the use of curing skewers and axe and knife handles made of wood has been prohibited since 1 January 1998. What is more, wooden barrels used in the preservation of meat must now be replaced by barrels made of materials that are resistant to corrosion, easy to clean and easy to disinfect.

Does the Commission feel that certain alternative procedures might guarantee at least the same degree of the requisite and desirable hygiene? Is it true that a much greater degree of cleanliness may actually be achieved if wooden containers are disinfected, since it a well-known fact that bacteria survive longer on plastic surfaces?

Can the Commission imagine a derogation being granted so that wood might be used in commercial and agricultural meat-processing operations?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 January 1999)

The aim of public health legislation is to prevent the consumer from being harmed by foodstuff contaminated and unfit for human consumption or potentially dangerous for human health.

The use of wooden tools and equipment in slaughterhouses and meat processing plants is forbidden by Directive 64/433/EEC, Annex I, Cap. 1, 4a, as amended. The issue has been discussed by experts many times and was subject to scientific investigations. All these works have shown that wood cannot be maintained properly and the surface gets rough and fissured after short time of use and contact with "aggressive" fluids (e.g. hot water, fatty acids, disinfectants).

As a result, liquids that are very good nutrients for dangerous bacteria penetrate wood and contaminate meat when coming in contact during production. Therefore the use of materials like plastic or metals which are easier to maintain and which do not impregnate bacterial contaminated liquids has been proposed.

As a result of all the discussions and investigation as mentioned above and with the obligation for effective and preventive consumer protection, the Commission does not support derogation for the use of wood in areas of meat production establishments where exposed meat can be contaminated.

(1) OJ L 175, 19.7.1993, p. 1.