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Parliamentary question - E-004294/2020Parliamentary question
E-004294/2020

Using phages to prevent food-related listeria outbreaks

Question for written answer E-004294/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE)

Listeria outbreaks killed or seriously damaged the health of around 1 000 Europeans in 2019 only. These food-related outbreaks can be prevented using phages like Listex P100, which is already being used in countries such as Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland.

The Commission has made no decision on the use of phages in food to significantly reduce the threat of new listeria outbreaks. Given the proven safety and efficacy of Listex P100 in reducing the threat of a listeria outbreak, it should be made available in the European Union, as it is in the above-mentioned markets, either as a non-decontaminating processing aid and/or through a new phage regulation.

What concrete steps does the Commission intend to take to remedy the current unacceptable situation that is preventing this life-saving, safe and innovative product from being sold comercially?

Last updated: 31 July 2020
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