MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening fish import controls and on the indication of origin of fish

9.1.2020

pursuant to Rule 143 of the Rules of Procedure

Mara Bizzotto

B9‑0067/2020

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on strengthening fish import controls and on the indication of origin of fish

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 143 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas, according to the June 2019 report ‘SOS pesce italiano’ (SOS Italian fish) by Coldiretti Impresaesca (Italian fishing industry association), fish imports to Italy amounted to 1 billion kilos in 2018, making it increasingly likely that consumers are buying foreign-sourced fish being passed off as Italian;

B. whereas in 2018, the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) issued 154 food alerts concerning imports into Italy of fish and bivalve molluscs containing excessive levels of heavy metals or harmful parasites and bacteria;

C. whereas, with regard to catering services, which are not required to indicate the origin of fish varieties on their menus, consumers cannot know whether the fish in their meals is potentially dangerous to their health;

1. Calls on the Commission to step up controls on fish imports, both from third countries and from within the EU, in order to protect consumer health;

2. Urges the Commission to consider – with a view to greater transparency in the information given to consumers – making it compulsory to indicate the origin of fish also on restaurant and catering menus in the Member States.