Transparency and security of alert systems in the agri-food industry

9.2.2018

Question for written answer E-000838-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Philippe Juvin (PPE)

In December 2017, traces of Salmonella were detected in batches of infant milk produced in France, where 35 babies were hospitalised with salmonellosis. One case was also confirmed in Spain and there was a suspected case in Greece. The company which produced the infant milk has since closed the plant responsible for the contamination. However, French distributors were slow to react before recalling the contaminated batches.

The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) which has been set up at European level functioned properly, by and large, although the contamination detected in Spain revealed a loophole in the information exchange system.

Currently, the product withdrawal and recall system falls under national competence. In view of the loopholes in the system, does the Commission intend to harmonise this procedure in order to ensure a high level of protection of human health?