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 The European Commission had proposed permitting the use of
phosphates in frozen kebab meat to reflect current practice. The
chemicals are theoretically banned in kebabs, but the rule is seldom
enforced.
They are permitted in certain sausages and are present naturally in
protein-rich foods, including meats, nuts and dairy products.
Greens and Socialists moved to block the Commission, saying
phosphate additives might increase the risk of heart disease and
damage bones and was not allowed in meat in general.
EU lawmakers present backed their motion by 373 votes for to 272
against, but to block the Commission an absolute majority of all
members of the European Parliament was required - 376 votes.
The center-right European People's Party, the largest group in
parliament, said blocking the use of phosphates could lead to
200,000 job losses across Europe, more than half of them in Germany.
It added there was no health risk.
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The European Food Safety Agency plans to re-evaluate the safety of
phosphate food additives by the end of 2018.
"Unless they can show without doubt that phosphate additives are not
harmful, their use in all foods must be immediately reviewed by the
Commission," said Bart Staes, the Belgian Greens lawmaker behind the
motion.
(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, editing by Larry King)
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