Resolution on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies TSEs and animal nutrition

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the draft Commission regulation amending Annex IV to Regulation 999/2001/EC as regards transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and animal nutrition. The Commission has asserted in the recitals to the draft that ring trials have demonstrated that the performance of laboratories as regards the detection of small amounts of mammalian proteins in feedingstuffs containing fishmeal has improved considerably with the entry into force of Commission Directive 2003/126/EC. The Commission therefore supposes that the basis for prohibiting the feeding of fishmeal to ruminants is no longer valid and that its prohibition should consequently be lifted. Nevertheless, the Commission admitted that continuous evaluation of the competence and training of laboratory staff would be necessary to maintain or improve the quality of controls.

Parliament felt that the feeding of fishmeal to ruminants is not consistent with the duty imposed on the Community by Article 152(1) of the EC Treaty. The power conferred on the Commission by Article 23 of Regulation 999/2001/EC does not permit a lowering of the level of public health protection. Therefore, it called on the Commission to withdraw the above-mentioned Draft Regulation.

Parliament went on to state that for any other farmed animals which are kept, fattened or bred for the production of food, any feedingstuff has to fall under strong scrutiny. It called for scientific analysis to determine acceptable limit values for dioxin in fishmeal for feeding pigs and poultry, and voiced strong doubts that sufficient experienced laboratory staff is available within the Member States of the European Union to maintain the controls regarding fishmeal pursuant to Directive 2003/126/EC.