Palm oil
22.7.2013
Question for written answer E-008958-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Agnès Le Brun (PPE)
For some years now, following several studies, public attention has been drawn to the use of palm oil in the food processing and cosmetics industries. This agri‐food industry practice is highly problematic as it is the cause of significant deforestation in South‐East Asia, particularly on the island of Borneo.
That deforestation in turn has repercussions for our environment and climate, imperilling fragile environmental balances and, more specifically, biodiversity. This means that it runs counter to the European Union’s environmental policy, which sets out to protect species and habitats.
In addition, one of the EU’s objectives is to provide greater and clearer information to the public. To do this, it is planning to adopt new rules on food security. Palm oil can be damaging to the health of the EU public since, among other things, it can heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease and lead to an increase in cholesterol levels.
With regard to developments in the labelling of consumer goods, can the Commission therefore state:
- 1.whether it might consider introducing special labelling for products containing palm oil;
- 2.whether this issue could be resolved through the on‐going discussions on the introduction of eco‐labelling for European products?
OJ C 87 E, 26/03/2014