June 23, 2008

The EU parliament has hit out at plans by the European Commission to lift an import ban on US poultry treated with chlorine.

A non-binding resolution passed by a large majority of the parliament meeting in Strasbourg said the proposal out of step with both the EU public's food safety and hygiene expectations and the demand for hygienic production models.

The resolution also said the proposal is likely to undermine European consumer confidence in food products sold in the EU, which is weak following food safety problems in recent years.

So far all 27 member states of the EU have opposed the proposal, which contains strict conditions that have annoyed the US.

EU Health Commissioner Androula Vassiliou said the plan will now be put to EU ministers.