[1]
European Parliament: MEP’s Questions & Answers
(2017/51)
• 14 September 2017 - Igor Šoltes – [E-005718-17] - Subject:
Microplastic contamination of drinking water
A recent report by a team of U.S. investigative journalists working as part of the
Orb organisation has found that as much as 83% of drinking water in water supply
systems around the world is contaminated with microplastics.
In the United States and Europe, the level of contamination is 94% and 72%,
respectively. In light of this new evidence, plastic contamination is a global
phenomenon that has even spread to areas we never thought imaginable. An
increasing amount of research is finding sea salt being contaminated with
microplastic particles. In August, Spanish scientists published a study in the
Scientific Reports journal confirming the presence of these controversial particles
in all 21 salt samples analysed.
We are clearly facing microplastic contamination of such widespread proportions
that not even drinking water and salt are immune.
In this way, plastic particles also find their way into the human body — through
the food chain practically on a daily basis, which raises considerable concern
over its effects on human health. Experts warn that microplastic particles are
particularly hazardous and may have a substantial adverse effect on living
organisms.
Is the Commission familiar with the findings confirming the widespread
occurrence of microplastics in drinking water and salt, and is it going to
investigate the adverse effects of this phenomenon on human health?
1
Non-exhausti e list of MEP’s Questio s & A s ers co piled taki g i to accou t their relatio ship
with food law, without any political or party preference.
, [2]
Is the Commission going to take suitable measures to reduce the contamination
of drinking water with microplastic particles, as well as the widespread
microplastic contamination?
Answer given by Mr Vella on behalf of the Commission (27 October 2017):
«The Commission is aware of several recent publications that traced
microplastics ubiquity and detected particles even in drinking water and sea salt.
There is a need for more research on impacts of small microplastics and
nanoplastics on human health. The European Food Safety Authority recently
issued a statement on presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in food which
provides recommendations in this regard.
As part of the ongoing review of the Drinking Water Directive , the Commission
will consider whether and how the issue of microplastics could be addressed. It
will also address further prevention and reduction measures in the Plastic
Strategy foreseen in the Commission Work Programme 2017.».
• 7 September 2017 - Piernicola Pedicini – [P-005599-17] - Subject:
Presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Italian mineral water
distributed in Belgium
On 5 September 2017 the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed issued an alert
for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Italian mineral water distributed
in Belgium.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that can be acquired from the
environment. It can also be transmitted through direct contact or through droplets
coughed and sneezed by infected persons.
P. aeruginosa is a gram-negative, aerobic, non-fermenting, asporigenic bacillus
which is ubiquitous in nature, being found in water, soil and plants. Nevertheless,
it is a nosocomial pathogen of great importance, given its ability to survive in
many environmental conditions such as those found in the hospital environment
(sinks, wash solutions, disinfectants, endoscopes, spirometers and
physiotherapy pools).
The risk category it represents is still indicated by the Commission as ‘undecided’.
Can the Commission answer the following questions:
— What Italian mineral water brands are involved and how many lots have
been seized?
— Why has the news not been disclosed to Italian consumers, given that Italy
is the country of origin of this water?
— What is the risk of consumers contracting this bacterium?
Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (18 October
2017):
European Parliament: MEP’s Questions & Answers
(2017/51)
• 14 September 2017 - Igor Šoltes – [E-005718-17] - Subject:
Microplastic contamination of drinking water
A recent report by a team of U.S. investigative journalists working as part of the
Orb organisation has found that as much as 83% of drinking water in water supply
systems around the world is contaminated with microplastics.
In the United States and Europe, the level of contamination is 94% and 72%,
respectively. In light of this new evidence, plastic contamination is a global
phenomenon that has even spread to areas we never thought imaginable. An
increasing amount of research is finding sea salt being contaminated with
microplastic particles. In August, Spanish scientists published a study in the
Scientific Reports journal confirming the presence of these controversial particles
in all 21 salt samples analysed.
We are clearly facing microplastic contamination of such widespread proportions
that not even drinking water and salt are immune.
In this way, plastic particles also find their way into the human body — through
the food chain practically on a daily basis, which raises considerable concern
over its effects on human health. Experts warn that microplastic particles are
particularly hazardous and may have a substantial adverse effect on living
organisms.
Is the Commission familiar with the findings confirming the widespread
occurrence of microplastics in drinking water and salt, and is it going to
investigate the adverse effects of this phenomenon on human health?
1
Non-exhausti e list of MEP’s Questio s & A s ers co piled taki g i to accou t their relatio ship
with food law, without any political or party preference.
, [2]
Is the Commission going to take suitable measures to reduce the contamination
of drinking water with microplastic particles, as well as the widespread
microplastic contamination?
Answer given by Mr Vella on behalf of the Commission (27 October 2017):
«The Commission is aware of several recent publications that traced
microplastics ubiquity and detected particles even in drinking water and sea salt.
There is a need for more research on impacts of small microplastics and
nanoplastics on human health. The European Food Safety Authority recently
issued a statement on presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in food which
provides recommendations in this regard.
As part of the ongoing review of the Drinking Water Directive , the Commission
will consider whether and how the issue of microplastics could be addressed. It
will also address further prevention and reduction measures in the Plastic
Strategy foreseen in the Commission Work Programme 2017.».
• 7 September 2017 - Piernicola Pedicini – [P-005599-17] - Subject:
Presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Italian mineral water
distributed in Belgium
On 5 September 2017 the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed issued an alert
for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Italian mineral water distributed
in Belgium.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that can be acquired from the
environment. It can also be transmitted through direct contact or through droplets
coughed and sneezed by infected persons.
P. aeruginosa is a gram-negative, aerobic, non-fermenting, asporigenic bacillus
which is ubiquitous in nature, being found in water, soil and plants. Nevertheless,
it is a nosocomial pathogen of great importance, given its ability to survive in
many environmental conditions such as those found in the hospital environment
(sinks, wash solutions, disinfectants, endoscopes, spirometers and
physiotherapy pools).
The risk category it represents is still indicated by the Commission as ‘undecided’.
Can the Commission answer the following questions:
— What Italian mineral water brands are involved and how many lots have
been seized?
— Why has the news not been disclosed to Italian consumers, given that Italy
is the country of origin of this water?
— What is the risk of consumers contracting this bacterium?
Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (18 October
2017):
