The European Commission rejected the appeal to ban the import of kangaroo meat from Australia, citing food safety and other reasons.
Three groups with public health, animal welfare and species protection.
Lega Anti Vivisezione (LAV), World Animal Protection and Animals Europe claim high levels of Salmonella and E. coli have been found in kangaroo meat for human consumption in Australia.
The method used to kill kangaroos poses hygiene concerns and food safety risks, including the potential for animals to be slaughtered in outback areas and their carcasses transported long distances in the open without refrigeration Contaminated by bacteria, they added.
Three petitions submitted by these groups to the European Parliament remain open.
Meat is sold in some European supermarkets or used in pet food. Australian export data showed Europe was the top destination for kangaroo meat, with Belgium accounting for 775 tonnes, about a third of the 2019 total.
Australia and the EU are negotiating a free trade agreement that should be concluded this year.
Reasons for EU position
European Commission says there is no evidence The requirements are not met, so the import of kangaroo meat products cannot be banned. There are no harmonized European animal welfare import requirements for wild animals, including kangaroos.
DG Sante’s 2019 audit of Australia’s red meat and game meat (including kangaroo) export system confirmed the country’s compliance with EU requirements.
Risk-based import inspections by EU member states have found no evidence that Australian kangaroo meat poses a health risk to consumers, the European Commission said.
Australian exporters must undergo microbiological testing to demonstrate compliance with Australian and EU standards, including a ban on the use of lactic acid for decontamination.
The European Commission stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure that only kangaroo meat products that comply with food safety rules are allowed to enter the EU market.
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