TTIP and the use of ractopamine, which is banned in the EU

31.5.2016

Question for written answer E-004452-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Momchil Nekov (S&D)

The EU is a world leader in terms of policies for animal health and high standards of food and food products for human consumption. Along with almost 160 third countries, the EU prohibits the use of the growth-promoting hormone ractopamine. In the USA, however, the substance is widely used: according to some estimates, in the rearing of 60-80% of all pigs produced in that country.

1. What is the Commission's position on the use of ractopamine as a growth promoter, both generally and in relation to the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement? 2. How will the Commission ensure that products produced in the USA from the meat of animals reared using this hormone are not allowed onto the EU market?