Exports of Chinese garlic
15.10.2018
Question for written answer E-005257-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Mario Borghezio (ENF)
China is one of the biggest exporters of garlic: it is estimated that around 80% of the garlic sold around the world is from China. A considerable amount of the garlic produced in China is toxic: Chinese farmers, in order to boost and increase production, use chemicals and pesticides, and treat their produce with substances which would be strictly forbidden in Europe. Moreover, it has been proven that a significant amount of Chinese garlic is artificially whitened with bleach, which keeps away and kills insects by acting as a pesticide, helps to make the garlic bulb whiter and is used to eliminate dirt stains, even if natural. Last but not least, there is the pollution aspect: China is one of the most contaminated and polluted countries in the world (soil and atmosphere). As a result, Chinese soil contains a high level of heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic and cadmium.
In the light of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.Does it not intend to check whether there have been cases of contaminated Chinese garlic in Europe? If so, what percentage and in which Members States?
- 2.Has it introduced measures to prevent the import of this type of garlic, which is damaging to the health of European citizens?