EU’s Test for Endocrine Disruptors Threatens $4.8 Billion in U.S. Food Exports
USDA worries that screening of 700 chemical substances for endocrine disrupting properties could lead to trade disruptions
Nearly $4.8 billion in U.S. exports of processed food and feed products, and the raw agricultural commodities they are derived from, are under threat as the European Union assesses hundreds of chemical substances to identify endocrine disruptors.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s endocrine, or hormone, system, causing cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A.
Endocrine disruptors can be found in everyday products such as certain foods, plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. Some phytoestrogens, naturally occurring substances in plants that have hormone-like activity, can be found in soy-derived products, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Last month, the European Commission’s Joint Research Center (JRC) released a list of about 700 chemical substances it will screen as part of its assessment of potential endocrine disrupting properties. After it completes the screening process, the JRC will conduct a cost/benefit analysis of criteria laid out in a June 2014 roadmap that described four policy options to identify endocrine-disrupting compounds.
The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, will then use the results to draft legislative proposals for the final criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors for pesticides and biocides, whichwould then be banned from the marketplace, possibly affecting established import tolerances.
The EU’s criteria could cause trade disruptions for major U.S. exports of agricultural commodities because it would also capture the insecticidal products with which crops like tree nuts, fruits, soybean and peanuts are commonly treated, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
Citing an industry study, the report said the potential effect of the policy change could lead to trade disruptions amounting to about $4 billion worth of U.S. raw agricultural commodity exports. The largest impacts would be in U.S exports of tree nuts and fruits, valued at $1.6 billion, soybeans and groundnuts, valued at $1.5 billion, and grains, valued at just under $600 million.
“Inclusion of processed food and feed products from these commodities would increase the potential effect to $4.8 billion,” the report said. “Globally, $80 billion of EU imports could potentially be affected by ED cut-off criteria.”
The JRC will publish its results of the screening by March 31. The results of the screening will then be used to assess the costs/benefits of the different options in the roadmap, which is expected to wrap up by September 30.
After that, the JRC will then adopt a final measure, including its drafting and approval, which will take up to 12 months, meaning the criteria would be adopted by mid-2017 at the earliest.
Story courtesy of Sustainable Food News, an authoritative daily trade journal. For subscription information: http://www.sustainablefoodnews.com/register.php
The post EU’s Test for Endocrine Disruptors Threatens $4.8 Bil’ in U.S. Food Exports appeared first on Cornucopia Institute.
Source: http://www.cornucopia.org/2016/01/eus-test-for-endocrine-disruptors-threatens-4-8-bil-in-u-s-food-exports/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes:
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules. Today Be 100% Satisfied Or Receive A Full Money Back Guarantee Order Yours Today By Following This Link.