Import of durum wheat treated with glyphosate

12.9.2019

Question for written answer P-002726-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Catherine Griset (ID)

A number of large Italian brands buy their durum wheat from Canada, which authorises the spraying of glyphosate on wheat at pre-harvest time in order to speed up the ripening of the grain. The Ministry of Agriculture of Saskatchewan, Canada’s largest wheat-producing province, estimates that up to 70% of the wheat is treated pre-harvest.

Studies, whether in Europe or from across the Atlantic, on the presence of glyphosate in our food are rare and inadequate, since, whilst the samples checked do not display levels above the norm, most of them do contain glyphosate. In addition, even a small dose is sufficient to have an endocrine effect.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers enables producers to voluntarily display the place of origin of particular categories of food.

What quantities of durum wheat imported into the EU from Canada or other non-EU countries are affected by these agricultural practices?

Would the Commission deem it appropriate, for reasons of traceability and transparency, to force producers to include the origin of wheat on labels?