Re: EU Health Commissioner calls for calm
http://www.pernambuco.com/ultimas/nota.asp?materia=20110607085437&assunto=31&onde=Brasil
Portuguese to English translation
Outbreak of E.coli becomes the subject of meetings of representatives of EU
Drafting of the DIARIODEPERNAMBUCO.COM.BR
07/06/2011 | 8:54 a.m. | Bacteria
The commissioner of the European Union (EU) for Health, John Dalli, said today (7) that the outbreak of infections with the bacterium E. coli is limited geographically to northern Germany and there is no need for control measures. Dalli also warned Germany that the disclosure of unconfirmed reports spread fear and cause negative impact on agricultural producers.
Agriculture Ministers of the European Union countries are meeting today amid extraordinary efforts of Germany to identify the source of an outbreak of infections by the bacteria E.coli . Preliminary tests on bean sprouts in a German farm suspected of being the source of the outbreak did not identify the presence of bacteria.
More than 2200 people in 12 countries have already developed symptoms of intestinal infections caused by bacteria. The cases registered outside Germany are from people who live or have traveled to the country. Of the 22 deaths recorded, only one took place outside Germany, Sweden. Most victims recover after a few days of treatment. Some of those infected develop a syndrome that attacks the nervous system and kidney.
In this afternoon's meeting in Luxembourg, the European ministers will try to find out how close the experts are discovering the source of the outbreak, amid growing criticism about the investigations. At the meeting they will discuss the possibility of compensation for farmers affected by the crisis.
The European ministers should also review the ban on imports from Russia of vegetables in Europe, established in response to the outbreak of infections caused by E.coli . Other European Union countries say their producers will need financial assistance after a significant drop in sales.
The German authorities initially blamed cucumbers imported from Spain as a focus of infection, but later said that tests had ruled out the possibility. On the last weekend, an organic farm producing bean sprouts for salads near Hamburg was identified as a possible source of the outbreak, but preliminary tests have not proven until now the presence of bacteria at the site.
"I emphasize that the focus is limited geographically to the area around the city of Hamburg, then there is a reason for action at European level. Measures [taken by the EU as a whole] against any products are out of proportion, "said Dalli. "We are in constant contact with other countries, including Russia. We're calling on Russia to lift the ban, which is disproportionate. "
Spain says it will demand compensation from Germany for 100% of losses incurred by its manufacturers after the false accusation against the cucumbers exported by the country. The Spanish association of exporters of fruits and vegetables estimated the losses at 225 million euros (about $ 520 million) a week.
