RESOLUTION B3-1410, 1444, 1450 and 1460/92

Resolution on monitoring of compliance with the directives prohibiting the use of hormones and other growth-promoters

The European Parliament,

A. having regard to the 1989 findings and recommendations of its Committee of Inquiry concerning the use of growth-promoters in livestock farming,

B. whereas it has repeatedly been discovered that prohibited growth-promoters are being produced and used in a number of Member States,

C. having regard to the investigation initiated by the Commission, in the light of the conclusions of Parliament's Committee of Inquiry on the subject, which is thought to show that prohibited substances, such as Clenbuterol, are still in widespread use in calf-fattening in a number of countries,

D. whereas it is regularly observed that monitoring of the use of prohibited substances is completely inadequate in nearly all Member States,

E. whereas the Commission has set out its findings in a working document which it has not yet seen fit to publish but which is nevertheless regularly quoted in the press,

F. having regard to the damage suffered by stock-breeders who operate legally due to falling demand for beef occasioned by concern among consumers,

G. whereas in Flanders 23 state veterinary inspectors responsible for monitoring compliance with the above directives have resigned en masse after increasing attempts to intimidate them (defacing of private property, attempted arson and firing at homes with a riot gun), which made it difficult if not impossible for them to do their work,

1. Considers that an end must be put to the illegal use of growth-promoters in livestock farming as soon as possible;

2. Notes that the Commission has not implemented the recommendations of Parliament's Committee of Inquiry into the Problem of Quality in the Meat Sector, and urges the Commission to take measures in accordance with the aforementioned report;

3. Observes that in addition to hormones in the strict sense of the term, an increasing number of other products, such as growth promoters, -agonists (redistributors such as Clenbuterol) and cocktails of growth-promoters, are also used in livestock fattening, often in combination with other pharmaceuticals such as corticosteroids;

4. Observes once again that the existing directives are incomplete and urges that the directives on the subject be amended so as to:

- clarify the distinction between prohibited substances and permitted substances which are administered illegally,

- ensure that live animals which have been treated illegally are destroyed without compensation,

- define possession of prohibited substances and unlawful possession of permitted substances as criminal offences,

- indicate how, when and where live animals are to be inspected on the farm and market, in transit and at slaughterhouses;

5. Takes the view that, where possible, the Commission should consolidate in a single legislative text all provisions concerning the administration of pharmaceutical products to animals and supervision and monitoring thereof, in order to simplify the legal position for the benefit of the authorities responsible for implementation, producers, consumers and veterinary surgeons;

6. Calls on the Member States, for their part, to introduce more stringent checks and, through tougher penalties, to put an effective stop to trade in and use of hormones in stockfarming; in this connection, draws attention to the necessity of setting up international enforcement teams;

7. Wishes to hold a public debate shortly, and by 1 January 1993 at the latest, with the Commission on the findings of its investigation and urges the Commission to produce concrete proposals as soon as possible for improving monitoring of the use of prohibited substances both at national and at European level;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission and the governments of the Member States.