Cloning of animals for food

ABOUT THE ISSUE

Cloning is a technique of artificial reproduction to create identical animals. Animal cloning involves stressful handling of the animals used as mother. The process is inefficient, with very low rates of success: 10% in cattle, 6% in pigs. Animals are submitted to painful handling and suffer numerous health problems. In addition, farm animals are seen more as commodities rather than sentient beings.
EU consumers and citizens are against this technique to produce food.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION

In the EU food from animal clones must be authorised before being sold, but no other rule exists. The European Parliament has expressed its support to ban animal cloning for food and the import and sale of food products from clones and descendants. The European Food Safety Authority highlighted the huge animal welfare and health concerns. The European Group of Ethics has stated ethical concerns. The European Commission, however, fears possible problems with trade partners.

WHAT ARE WE CALLING FOR

• An immediate EU ban on the cloning of animals for food production, on the sale and imports of food products from cloned animals and their descendants.
• Retailers not to sell products from animal clones and their descendants in their shops.
• Full traceability for animal clones and products.