Brussels, 14/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - It was with relief and determination that John Dalli, European Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner, addressed the European Parliament health committee, chaired by Jo Leinen (S&D, Germany), on Tuesday 14 June, regarding the management of the EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli) or E.coli outbreak, which has caused 36 deaths (35 in Germany, 1 in Sweden) and left 900 severely ill.
Dalli expressed relief that the source of contamination of the food chain by the deadly bacteria had now been scientifically confirmed by the German health authorities. The source of contamination has been identified as various types of sprouts produced by one farmer south of the city of Hamburg in Lower Saxony (see EUROPE 10396). This news was announced on Saturday 11 June, and was immediately welcomed by the commissioner. Dalli's determination could be seen in his resolve to ensure treatment is given to halt the epidemic as swiftly as possible. He wants investigation to continue and lessons to be learnt in order to perfect the way the early warning system is used for foodstuffs and animal feed (RASFF). The introduction into the system of justified alarm levels is a course evoked by the commissioner, in order to prevent political decision-makers from making hasty announcements that would fuel pointless fears and cause injury to a number of farm sectors in the name of the precautionary principle, he said.
“The source of contamination is now identified and the epidemiological findings are backed by laboratory results. EU consumers and trade partners shall now have full confidence as regards the safety of EU vegetables. Epidemiological investigations will continue in order to complete the picture of the links between people who fell ill, food establishments and the farm in Germany”, John Dalli said on Saturday. He went on to say: “The Commission will - along with member states - draw lessons from this crisis which will lead to a further solidification of our alert and response systems”. Addressing MEPs, he used the same language. The epidemiological investigation will continue so that the EU may have a clear and complete view of the situation by establishing links between the patients, the establishments that carried the food containing bacteria and the farm in Germany which supplied the food, the commissioner said. Investigations will also focus on how the specific strain of E.coli 0104 - the particularly virulent strain - entered the food chain.
Prevarication over lifting of Russian embargo? On the subject of lifting the Russian embargo on imports of vegetables from the EU, the commissioner said the situation had rebounded, with Russian notifying the Commission on Tuesday that, in their eyes, the Commission's proposal does not come within the framework of the Barroso/Medvedev agreement. John Dalli said that the Commission considers its proposal does come within that framework and expects the Russians to re-examine the proposal. (A.N./transl.jl)