The possible supply of ASF (African swine fever) infected pork meat onto the Polish food market

13.9.2018

Question for written answer E-004628-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Bronis Ropė (Verts/ALE)

Lithuanian and Polish daily newspapers (‘Lietuvos Rytas’ and ‘Gazeta Wyborcza’) have announced that, under instruction from the Polish Government, the purchase of ASF-infected pork lasted until 2017 in order to prevent pig farmers becoming bankrupt.

The contaminated meat was used in the production of canned food intended for the army, schools and even kindergartens. The Ministry of Defence had signed an agreement for the supply of the canned food, but, as the media reported, following the protest staged by servicemen, this production was not used as food.

Stored at the Polish warehouses, the cans labelled ‘Pork with juices’, ‘English goulash’, ‘Masurian pâté’, which are allegedly made from contaminated pork, may still be offered for use, taking into account that the representatives of the Polish ruling party claim that these products are safe.

These products should not be used for safety reasons alone; there is also the possibility of spreading the virus outside the area where it is currently present. As the EU market is open, it is quite possible that the canned food can be bought by non-Polish citizens.

Can the Commission say:

Is it aware of this problem?

Does it intend to request that Polish institutions provide more detailed information, as the information on the number of infected pigs, from which the meat was used in the production of the canned food, is classified.

In its opinion, can ASF-infected meat, processed under high temperatures, be used for food? Is there any guarantee that such meat does not contain the virus?