Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission
22.4.2016
In Annex II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005[1], maximum residue levels (MRLs) are set for raw agricultural commodities such as barley and hops. Since beer is a processed and composite product for which no specific MRL is set, the MRL for beer applied by competent authorities is derived from the MRLs for raw agricultural commodities (barley: 20 mg/kg, hops: 0.1 mg/kg), taking into account changes in the levels of pesticide residues caused by processing.
The Commission is not aware that the competent authorities in Germany had allowed the placing on the market of beer that did not comply with the applicable MRL. However, the glyphosate residue levels in the German beer samples quoted by the Honourable Members suggest that the concentrations were well below the legal limit (i.e. the MRL), which in turn is based on the residue levels expected according to good agricultural practice and well below the level that would be necessary to protect human health.
The Commission continues to work closely with Member States' competent authorities to ensure that MRLs established in the legislation are complied with, and that food products are safe for human consumption.
- [1] Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin (OJ L 070, 16.3.2005, p. 1).