Stockfarming: prohibition of certain substances having a hormonal or thyreostatic action and of beta-agonists

PURPOSE: to amend current legislation on the use in stockfarming of certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of beta-agonists.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Directive 2008/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 96/22/EC concerning the prohibition on the use in stockfarming of certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of beta-agonists.

CONTENT: having reached agreement with the European Parliament at first reading, the Directive definitively prohibits the administration of oestradiol 17 B to any animal in order to guarantee the highest level of health protection and authorises the use of stilbenes, stilbene derivatives, their salts and esters or of thyrostatic substances for pet animals on animal welfare grounds. Member States shall be allowed to authorise the use of beta-agonists to treat horses raised for purposes other than meat production, provided they are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Commission, in collaboration with the Member States, shall set up an information and awareness campaign on the complete ban on the use of oestradiol 17β in food-producing animals, aimed at farmers and veterinary organisations in the EU as well as the relevant organisations outside the EU which are directly or indirectly involved in the export to the EU of food of animal origin falling within the scope of the Directive.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 18/12/2008.

TRANSPOSITION: 01/01/2009.