The challenge
The EU and its member states are cautious about the use of crop protectors and other chemicals that could enter the human food chain, and most people agree with this approach. Once in a while, however, government decisions can have unintended consequences that are potentially damaging to the food industry. That is exactly what happened in 2019, as the use of Maleic Hydrazide (usually known as MH) was put into question, owing to lack of evidence concerning its possible side effects.
An industry at risk
MH controls sprouting in a range of crops, the most important being potatoes. It is widely used by European farmers and there is no evidence that it damages the environment or people. Tests were carried out in 2017 as part of the process to renew approval of MH usage for a further 15 years, but two aspects of the review were not completed by 28th August 2017, the closing date for the process. Tests have now been finished, with no evidence of harm but, using the precautionary principle, the absence of proof either way was treated as reason to suspend approval.
Potential industry impact
As is normal, EU member states were advised of the situation and left to respond in their own manner. A UK government agency, the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD), part of the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), was nominated by 8 other EU member states in the north west of Europe to take the lead on registration. The CRD took the most draconian measure possible. They required all potatoes treated with MH to be labelled as not fit for animal consumption, immediately barring all co-products from these potatoes for use in animal feed.
This could have had very damaging consequences for food processors, such as French Fry manufacturers, as it is impossible to segregate the supply chain for co-products to ensure removal of MH-treated potatoes. By November 2018 it became clear that the government bodies imposing these severe restrictions had not appreciated the likely economic impact. In the UK, especially, the CRD had calculated that the new ruling might affect around 20,000 tonnes of potato co-products. The true figure for the UK was actually nearly one million tonnes, and more than 10 million tonnes for the entire EU.
Duynie’s role
Discussions made little progress until Duynie joined a conference of major players in the European industry and put together an evidence portfolio for discussion with the authorities. Taking the lead in presenting an impact assessment, Duynie demonstrated exactly what the blanket ban proposed by the CRD would mean for the food processing industry across the continent and also to the wider UK economy.
This would stop in its tracks an important income stream, prevent sustainable and responsible use of co-products, place massive burdens on important industries and major employers, such as French Fry manufacturers and starch producers, while the environmental impact would be devastating. Instead of reusing food co-products, 1 million tonnes of potato residue would have to be sent to landfill. There was simply no capacity to deal with this. None of this information had been spotted by the regulators until the Duynie initiative brought it to their attention.
The outcomes
Thanks to the combined work by industry players, led and coordinated by Duynie, and supported by the branche organisations, the UK government agency changed its policy and a potentially fatal blow to the industry was averted. With final testing of MH now complete it should be possible to finalise approval and return to normal activity in use of potatoes for food processing.
One major lesson has been learned. This is a complex issue, involving scientific research and detailed analysis of data. It touches on EU policy, the often-varied approaches taken by many individual governments, the economics of food security and the need to respect the precautionary approach while avoiding damage to a vital industry. This event demonstrated the need for leadership in an industry that still has a low profile with public and regulators alike.
Duynie, as a key player in use of co-products for feed, took the lead and was key to delivering a positive outcome. When similar issues arise in the future we will continue to act as coordinators and thought leaders for the good of the entire European industry.