Plan to reintroduce animal proteins into pig and poultry feeds

29.3.2016

Question for written answer E-002483-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

Twenty years on from the mad cow scandal, which afflicted over 200 people and triggered a health crisis and an industrial, economic and social crisis in Europe, the European Commission has to decide whether to allow the gradual reintroduction of processed animal proteins from non-ruminants into pig and poultry feeds.

The first case of BSE in 12 years would seem to have been detected on a livestock farm in France, making it vital for the Commission to act with the utmost prudence.

Do lower protein feed costs for a few manufacturing concerns justify the risk to the entire livestock sector, which has already been hard hit?

How does the Commission plan to ensure full traceability of animal meal, both in abattoirs and on livestock farms, in order to avert any risks connected with this cannibalism?