Government requires that Danish special rule about use of nitrite in meat products is maintained

Food and Veterinary Minister Eva Kjer Hansen is petitioning the EU to let Denmark keep its special exception to rules regarding the amount of allowable nitrite in meat products sold in the country.

A few years ago the EU adopted new common rules on nitrite levels in meat products, and the allowances agreed to are much higher than the present Danish requirements. But Denmark was given a temporary exemption to the EU criteria after it took the case to the European Court of Justice – an exemption that expires next spring.

Hansen has already begun discussions with the European Commission in Brussels on the issue and said she is ready for a fight.

‘A transition to common EU rules will result in a significant increase in Danish consumption of nitrite. I believe Denmark should continue to maintain its own rules and high level of protection,’ said the minister.

She argued additionally that the tougher Danish rules has not impeded trade between Denmark and the other 26 EU member states.