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EP votes to extend controls on animal cloning in agriculture

Xinhua, September 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Parliament (EP), meeting for a plenary session in Strasbourg, voted on Tuesday for a proposed ban on cloning for agricultural purposes to be extended to all farm animals, their offspring, and any products derived from them. This would include imports.

Voting overwhelmingly, with 529 in favor, 120 against and 57 abstentions, the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) aimed to extend the terms of a ban proposed by the European Council (EC).

The original proposition included a provisional ban on five species, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses, in the European Union (EU), as well as imports of cloned animals and food products derived from clones.

In their debate, however, MEPs expressed concern about animal welfare, human health, and the ability for the EU to control entry into the marketplace of products derived from cloning without mechanisms for traceability with trade partners.

"The technique of cloning is not fully mature, and in fact, no further progress has been made with it. The mortality rate remains equally high. Many of the animals which are born alive die in the first few weeks, and they die painfully. Should we allow that?" said the environment committee co-rapporteur, Renate Sommer.

"We need to take into account the impact on animal health, but also on human health," said the agriculture committee co-rapporteur, Giulia Moi.

"This reports sends the message to our trade partners that we are not willing to put our own health, our families' health, and future generations' health at stake using products of dubious quality of this nature," added Moi.

Many MEPs also cited strong public opinion in Europe against the use of cloning in agriculture, in particular the entry into food supply chains of products derived from cloned animals. The report cited a 2010 Eurobarometer survey which found that only 18 percent of respondents supported cloning techniques in any way.

While the vote shows that a clear majority of MEPs support an extended ban, final legislation will only be drafted following negotiations between the co-rapporteurs Sommer and Moi with the Council of the EU. Endit