The European Commission is pushing through a sweeping package of measures related to food and feed safety, prompting concern from consumer advocacy organization Foodwatch, which warns that revising multiple laws simultaneously, and at speed, could result in weaker protections for consumers.
© Foodwatch
Ten legislative proposals
The so-called omnibus package bundles ten legislative proposals into a single dossier. The measures would amend existing rules, including regulations introduced in the wake of food safety scandals such as the BSE crisis in the 1990s. Foodwatch argues that in practice this could mean a weakening of safeguards against such risks, faster approval of imported products before all checks have been completed, and the potential re-entry into the European market of pesticides that are currently banned in the EU.
The organization also raises concern that pesticides could remain on the market for longer periods, even when new scientific evidence points to potential risks, as periodic re-evaluations would be discontinued under the proposed changes. In addition, higher pesticide residue limits could remain in force for extended periods, even after maximum residue levels are tightened.
Transparency
Foodwatch argues that the way the package is being handled is particularly problematic. Processing ten proposals simultaneously leaves insufficient room for transparency and a thorough assessment of the consequences, the organization says. The European Ombudsman has previously criticized the Commission over comparable fast-track procedures, describing them as maladministration. A legal opinion commissioned by Foodwatch further concludes that certain proposed relaxations may conflict with existing EU legislation.
The European Parliament has yet to decide on the package. Negotiations are underway, and according to Foodwatch, not all Members of the European Parliament have yet been persuaded of the package's merits.
Source: Foodwatch
