Endocrine disruptors: EU Parliament rightly says no to Commission’s lack of ambition

PRESS STATEMENT - 04.10.2017

Today the European Parliament has rejected the EU Commission’s proposed definition of what constitutes an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC)¹. BEUC applauds the Parliament’s decision to reject this unfit definition because too many chemicals would escape the regulatory net.

These toxic substances are present in pesticides but also in many consumer products found in everyday products such as clothes, sunscreens or toys.

Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC, commented:

“The EU Parliament has sent a strong message that the EU can do much better to protect consumers against endocrine disrupting chemicals. Now the Commission must do so.” 

“This Commission has an opportunity to make the fight against EDCs one of its great achievements. Endocrine disruptors are found in foods, clothes, toys and many more products that consumers are in close contact with every day. The EU must protect consumers against all chemicals that might disrupt our hormone system.

“There can be no excuses for delaying action as MEPs have clearly outlined how the Commission should improve its definition. So we urge the EU Commission to swiftly make a new proposal that is in line with what the Parliament has called for.”

The EU Commission now has to publish a new proposal, taking the EU Parliament’s requests into consideration. 

ENDS

1. The EU Parliament just adopted in a plenary session an objection to the European Commission’s criteria that Member States greenlighted last 4^th July. Last week, the ENVI Committee adopted the objection submitted by the Greens and Socialist & Democrats groups.