1.2.1996

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0300/96
by Honor Funk (PPE)
to the Commission

The use of rBST in milk production in the EU has been provisionally banned until the year 2000. The reason given for the time-limit on the ban is that further research on the long-term effects is needed. The use of BST is permitted in the USA. The trade press has recently reported a survey by the magazine 'Dairy Today', which shows that 40% of American milk producers using rBST are willing to stop using it because of a rise in the incidence of mastitis and birth defects.

 

1.Is the Commission aware of this survey, and what importance is attached to it?

 

2.Are the results of current surveys in the EU similar?

 

3.Can the Commission say how far long-term tests are taken into account in its decisions on the authorization of products in respect of the use both of rBST to increase milk yields and hormones and of other growth promoters to fatten animals?

 

4.If the results of the research referred to above are confirmed, can it say what influence they will have on the current discussions between the EU and the USA on the authorization of imports of milk and milk products produced with the aid of rBST and of meat produced with the aid of hormones?

OJ C 280, 25/09/1996