On November 3, 2016 the non-governmental organization Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe published a press release informing that the draft proposal of criteria for identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), proposed by the European Commission in June 2016 (FPF reported), was so far not supported by the majority of EU Member States (MS). This conclusion is based on the results of votes undertaken during recent committee meetings on the topic (FPF reported).

According to PAN Europe’s analysis, the main aspects of the proposal that are being blocked by MS include the following three key elements: “(1) the proposed change to ban endocrine disruptors ‘known to cause adverse effects to humans’ instead of the previous ‘may cause adverse effects,’ (2) the exclusion of ‘presumed’ endocrines from the WHO [World Health Organization] definition, [and] (3) the change from a ‘hazard’-based approach back to traditional ‘risk’ assessment.”

Hans Muilerman of PAN Europe emphasized that “Member States have to show that concerns about citizens’ health and our environment must come first.” According to Vanessa Zainzinger’s article in Chemical Watch, published on November 3, 2016, the revised draft of the EDC criteria proposal, currently being prepared by the European Commission, is expected to be revealed during the next meeting of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF Committee; Section Phytopharmaceuticals – Plant Protection Products – Legislation) on November 18, 2016.

Read more

PAN Europe (November 3, 2016). “EU member states block Commission’s criteria proposal for endocrine disruption.” (pdf)

Emma Chynoweth (October 6, 2016). “European Commission redrafting EDC criteria proposals.Chemical Watch

Vanessa Zainzinger (November 3, 2016). “EDC criteria proposal blocked by member states, NGO says.Chemical Watch

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