Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission
9.2.2017
The European Union has established a robust feed safety system which addresses, amongst others, residues of undesirable substances, chemical contaminants, pesticides, veterinary medicines and microbiological standards. These measures ensure animal health, consumer safety and take into account environmental impacts. It is the responsibility of the Member States to enforce the legal limits set. If they are exceeded, the competent authorities alert the other Member States via the Commission's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF[1]) and the feed in question is withdrawn from the market.
Synthetic astaxanthin is authorised as a feed additive by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1415[2]. The conditions for use and the maximum content of astaxanthin in fish feed are in line with the two opinions of the European Food Safety Authority[3], confirming that the use of astaxanthin within these legal limits is safe for human health, animal health and the environment.
Directive 2002/32/EC[4] establishes maximum levels for many contaminants including dioxins and PCBs[5] in all kinds of animal feed. Only feed compliant with the maximum levels is allowed to be fed to farmed salmon. With respect to food, Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006[6] establishes maximum levels for dioxins, PCBs and other contaminants in fish, ensuring a high level of consumer protection.
These maximum levels are the same for wild and farmed fish. The maximum levels for contaminants in feed are set in order to ensure that food from farmed salmon fed with feed compliant with the specific maximum levels is safe for human consumption.
- [1] http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/rasff_en
- [2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1415 of 20 August 2015 concerning the authorisation of astaxanthin as a feed additive for fish, crustaceans and ornamental fish (OJ L 220, 21.8.2015, p.7)
- [3] http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3724 http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3725
- [4] Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 May 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed (OJ L 140, 30.5.2002, p. 10)
- [5] PCBs = polychlorinated biphenyls
- [6] Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (OJ L 364, 20.12.2006, p.5)