Issue concerning the lead content in the rayed artemis (‘Dosinia Exoleta’)

29.11.2019

Question for written answer  E-004121/2019/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE)

The harvesting and sale of the bivalve mollusc ‘Dosinia Exoleta’, commonly known as the rayed artemis is, like most of the bivalves, regulated and subject to limitations within the European Union, inter alia as regards the content of certain heavy metals. Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 sets the limit for lead (Pb) in bivalve molluscs at 1.5 mg/kg of fresh food weight, which may be exceeded by this species.

However, several scientific studies have found that the amounts of lead authorised in the rayed artemis could be even higher and still not pose a risk to human health. Scientific analyses have concluded that the bioavailability of lead in the rayed artemis is 50%, which would allow for a maximum limit of 3 mg of lead per kg of clams, twice that permitted by the regulation currently in force.

Are the Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) aware of the issue regarding the lead content in the rayed artemis?

What is the state of play regarding the industry’s request for a revision of the legal limit for lead in the rayed artemis?