Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001960/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)
According to the DG SANTE horizontal inspection (as described in the document on the subject with Ref. 2023-7655 General Follow Up Audit)[1], there appear to be serious issues in the control system implemented by the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food in the sectors of farming, livestock production, veterinary issues and fisheries.
The above-mentioned document highlights distortions, shortcomings and structural problems, in particular the fragmentation, overlapping responsibilities and understaffing of the control mechanisms, the absence of a single, coherent and simplified control framework, the ensuing lack of coordination and supervision and the risk-shy approach to imposing effective sanctions and administrative measures. The corresponding deficiencies have made for a landscape of arbitrariness and impunity.
It goes without saying that the above factors jeopardise consumer protection, because of gaps in ensuring the import, production and distribution of safe food, and shortcomings in the certification of suitability, quality checks and the improvement of food quality.
The EU and its Member States have an obligation to protect consumers and ensure they are not misled as to the safety, composition, labelling and price of food. In view of this:
- 1.Has the Commission received a reply from the relevant Ministry and has it been informed of any compliance measures taken to date?
- 2.What steps will it take to ensure that these distortions are remedied?
Submitted: 4.10.2024
- [1] As stated in the Ministry’s document (Ref. No: 39/90413 – 28/03/2024)