The European Commission will be able to go ahead with its plans to authorise the use in the EU of phosphate additives E 338-452 in kebab meat, be it mutton, lamb, veal, beef or poultry. The European Parliament fell three votes short in Strasbourg on Wednesday 13 December of approving the veto called for by its environment, public health and food safety committee for reasons of health (see EUROPE 11914).
The diphosphates and triphosphates and polyphosphates (E 338-452), used to conserve the flavour and retain water, are a cause for concern because absorption is associated with a possible increase in cardiovascular risks, according to a 2012 European study.
Although the objection was supported by a significant majority of MEPs – 373 votes for (272 against, with 30 abstentions) – it failed to win the 376 votes needed for it to be adopted.
The European right and conservatives refused to block the Commission’s delegated act, much to the regret of the most ardent consumer health defenders.
“The European Parliament, and above all European rights and conservatives, are allowing this potentially dangerous substance to be used in food. It’s a scandal!” railed Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella (S&D), a specialist in consumer protection, in a press release, criticising the failure to respect the precautionary principle.
BEUC disappointed. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) is of the same opinion. “Phosphates have no place in kebabs and gyros. Sadly, MEPs have decided to authorise these unnecessary additives. There are concerns over the impact of phosphate additives on consumers’ health. So, it is wiser to wait for the EU Food Safety Authority’s evaluation before considering to allow them in more foodstuffs”, Monique Goyens, BEUC Director General, said. The very least that member states should do, she said, is to demand that kebab vendors clearly inform consumers on the presence of phosphates in their meat through labelling and tighten up checks on the use of additives in the meat sector. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)