Disappointing result for consumer rights

The European Parliament has just voted on an objection to Commission proposals that would allow phosphates to be used as additives in products such as donor kebabs. The objection, which was tabled by Greens/EFA MEP Bart Staes and S&D’s Christel Schaldemose, received strong support (373/272/30), but fell just short of the required absolute majority of 376.

Bart Staes comments:

"This is sad day for consumer rights, which have been trampled on by the misinformation campaign led by some in the media and the meat industry, and fuelled by some MEPs. While our objection fell just short of the necessary qualified majority, we will not let this issue slip off the agenda.

"The European Food Safety Authority's re-evaluation of the use of phosphate additives in all food is due by the end of 2018 and we will be watching the outcome closely. Unless they can show without doubt that phosphate additives are not harmful, their use in all foods must be immediately reviewed by the Commission."