Health checks

15.10.2019

Question for written answer E-003302-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE)

In order to ensure food safety, European citrus fruit production is subject to strict health checks. For example, European producers are banned from using new breeding techniques or genetically modified organisms.

The result is a qualitative and quantitative imbalance, in addition to the consequential economic imbalance, between European producers and those from third countries, who are exempt from such controls.

1. Does the Commission think that it is necessary to apply the same health checks required of EU producers in third countries?

2. If so, when and how will such checks be applied?