First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "On the Special Labeling and Sale of Insects and Insect-Containing Foods and Products" (222 OE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Date: 2024-02-08 12:12
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 57
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 14m
AI Summaries: 57/57 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The plenary session of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) discussed two draft resolutions submitted by the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE). The first and main discussion focused on Draft Resolution 222, which concerned the special labeling and sales organization of insects and foods containing insects. The aim of the draft resolution was to oblige the Government of the Republic to establish, within three months, a procedure that would ensure consumers had clear knowledge of whether a product contained insect proteins, thereby preventing their unintentional consumption. Presenter Henn Põlluaas emphasized that eating insects is alien to the Estonian cultural space, causes aversion, and can lead to serious allergic reactions, which the current small-print labeling is insufficient to prevent.
The debate became sharp and ideological. EKRE representatives saw the promotion of insect food as part of a broader "green-liberal" program that restricts people's conventional food choices and destroys traditional agriculture. Critics, on the other hand (such as Jürgen Ligi), accused the presenters of spreading conspiracy theories and pointed out the incorrectness of the draft resolution's title. Urmas Kruuse, Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, explained that the draft resolution was legally flawed because food labeling is a regulated area across the European Union, and specific national requirements cannot be established by a simple Riigikogu resolution. The second item on the agenda, which concerned the proposal to organize a referendum to define the concept of marriage (Draft Resolution 261), was left undiscussed because the presenter, Varro Vooglaid, was absent from the session.
Decisions Made 2
Bill 222 ("On the special labeling and sale of insects and foods and products containing insects") was rejected in the final vote. 7 Riigikogu members voted in favor, 1 against, and there was 1 abstention.
The second item on the agenda (Bill 261, a proposal to organize a referendum) could not be introduced because the rapporteur, Varro Vooglaid, was not present in the Riigikogu chamber. Consequently, the bill was neither debated nor decided upon.
Most Active Speaker
The most active participant in the session was Henn Põlluaas, a member of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) faction, who served as the rapporteur for Draft Bill 222. Põlluaas delivered the longest speech and answered numerous questions, passionately defending the necessity of the bill from the standpoint of consumer choice and health. His presentation was at times confrontational, as he accused the questioners (such as Jürgen Ligi and Valdo Randpere) of demagoguery and a fundamental lack of understanding regarding the content of the draft legislation. Põlluaas represents the right-wing opposition.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar opened today's session, and the first item on the agenda is Riigikogu Draft Resolution No. 222, submitted by the EKRE parliamentary group, titled "On the Special Labeling and Sale of Insects and Foods and Products Containing Insects." Riigikogu member Henn Põlluaas was requested to serve as the rapporteur for this item.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riigikogu Bill 222 mandates special labeling for insect-based foods, ensuring that consumers who wish to avoid them can immediately identify which products contain them, and that these products are placed on a separate, visible shelf. This measure does not ban the sale of insect foods, as the primary objective is to raise awareness and mitigate potential allergy risks.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the presenter and opens the floor for questions, first inviting Kersti Sarapuu to speak.
Kersti Sarapuu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kersti Sarapuu thanked the manager and the speaker, and asked whether Estonian companies use insects in production, and if such products are available on store shelves.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas pointed out that although insects may become more widespread as a food source in the future and the European Union permits their use, a large majority of Estonians find the consumption of insects repulsive, and therefore, such labeling is essential in any case.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar invites Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claims that insect flour is already on the shelves, and that behind this is a major ideological plan to normalize the abnormal and restrict people's traditional food choices, including banning beef, pork, and chicken eggs, and forcing them to eat insects.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas claims that the European Union has taken an ideological turn, and that insect protein and other Green Deal ideas are being forced upon people, which threaten agriculture and traditional eating habits. He emphasizes that people must retain the choice of whether or not to consume insect proteins.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the assembly and gives the floor to Priit Sibul.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asked whether the consumption of foods labeled as containing insects is increasing or decreasing, and whether people notice the labeling and consequently eat more of them, or if the insect content is being concealed due to the perceived weirdness, resulting in people eating them unknowingly.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas emphasized that products sold in Estonia containing insect proteins should have special labeling, because experience shows that people would avoid such foods, and this is a question of respecting people's free choice, not a matter of entrepreneurial freedom.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Tiit Maran to speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran points out that insect protein flour should be addressed separately for two reasons: cultural unfamiliarity and health risks (allergic reactions). He then asks how significant this cultural barrier is for the Estonian diet and whether there is specific data showing that it is significantly more harmful than, for instance, preservatives in food.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stated that every person is free to choose what they eat. Such foods are not traditional in Estonia, and the purpose of the bill is not to compile a list, but rather to guarantee freedom of choice—those who want to eat should eat, and those who don't want to eat shouldn't have to.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo highlights the serious concern that insect product packaging lacks clear labeling for allergy-causing ingredients (such as chitin), which could lead to life-threatening reactions and endanger consumers.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stressed that although requirements for food ingredient labeling are in place, the small print is often difficult to read. This can pose serious health risks to allergy sufferers and potentially lead to criminal liability. He added that the purpose of his draft bill is to make the label immediately visible and easily legible, thereby preventing the inclusion of dangerous ingredients, such as insect protein.
Hanah Lahe
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker asks why members of your party are spreading misinformation about Karmen Joller on social media, claiming that she recommends people eat insects, while referencing the fact that EKRE has already lost one court battle, and asking whether a new summons is now forthcoming.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks and hands something over to Hanah Laht.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas claims that EKRE has over 10,000 members who can say anything, and that, according to him, utterly idiotic nonsense and fabrications are being spread about the party. He doesn't know, however, whether EKRE has taken Joller to court, and he emphasizes that this has nothing to do with the subject of the draft bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar explains that pursuant to Section 68, Subsection 3 of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, every member of the Riigikogu is entitled to ask one oral question of each rapporteur, and should the Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, Urmas Kruuse, arrive, a question may also be put to him; Rene Kokk will speak next.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk thanked the farmers and stressed the importance of guaranteeing high-quality food. However, he noted the confusion surrounding insect-based food that arose during the debates and asked when the draft legislation that would make eating insects compulsory in Estonia would be brought up for discussion.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas warns against extremist ideologies that attempt to dictate people's choices regarding diet or lifestyle. He stresses the need to maintain common sense and protect individuals' freedom of choice in matters of food and way of life.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [them] and turns to Jürgen Ligi with a request.
Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Jürgen Ligi criticizes the spread of conspiracy theories and the futility of the draft bill. He also brings up financial issues involving Moonika Helme and Karmen Joller, linked to EKRE, and stresses that food labeling is a basic requirement which the European Union is already addressing. However, he questions how insects could practically be labeled and how such a measure could be regulated on a wide scale.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stresses that the topic is the specific labeling of foods and products (e.g., insect products), and not conspiracy theories, and if a colleague officially submits this as a draft bill, we will see how seriously it can be taken.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Valdo Randpere to speak.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere asks Henni why he brought up the topic of a global liberal force banning items of clothing, and why he was not present yesterday for the committee presentation on the draft bill concerning the banning of the niqab and burqa, noting that EKRE members were also absent.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The message is clear: it is your time to act.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The draft bill was removed from the agenda, but an explanation of its true intention is being requested.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas emphasizes that the niqab and burqa are instruments for the oppression of women, and that the Islamic faith does not require them. He criticizes the Reform Party's double standards and finally focuses on the content of today's draft bill, "On the special labeling and sale of insects and foods containing insects."
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar reminded everyone to stick to the topic and announced that the draft resolution titled "On the Special Labeling and Sale of Insects and Foods and Products Containing Insects" was under discussion, before inviting Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Arvo Aller, the discussion centers on the special labeling of insect-based foods, the goal of which is to clearly show consumers what foodstuffs they are purchasing, and not to address lawsuits, the labeling of insects, or recommendations, but simply the labeling itself.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
To clearly inform consumers which food contains insects and insect protein, a sticker placed on the product is sufficient, and nothing else is required.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the rapporteur, announced that there were no questions, and directed attention to the procedure of the sitting, calling upon Jürgen Ligi to speak.
Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Jürgen Ligi accuses the presiding officer of launching a personal attack against the criticism, asserting that the draft bill is poorly formulated and lacks proper justification. He further stresses that the chairman should intervene and respond with arguments, rather than attacking the questioners.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman emphasizes that the discussion in the hall must be respectful and mutually considerate, a point with which he agrees, and then directs Valdo Randpere's question regarding the rules for conducting the session.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere stresses that the title of the draft bill, "Special labeling of insects and foodstuffs," is clearly worded and is a standard simple sentence, and asks whether it is possible to interpret it in any other way.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Lauri Hussar explains that the Riigikogu Board does not intervene in the drafting or titling of bills, and is not permitted to give assessments regarding the titles. Consequently, he does not view it as a procedural question and redirects Arvo Aller's inquiry to the rules governing the conduct of the session.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller raised a point regarding the rules and possibly the substance, asking the Riigikogu Chairman for a ruling at that moment, and inquiring whether the subject of court cases was related to the bill in question, and whether it would have been appropriate to intervene at that point, given that it was irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Presiding Officer of the sitting clearly stated that we would be discussing Bill 222 and proceeding with the debate on the agenda item, following which Urmas Kruuse, the Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, was invited to introduce the discussion.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse stated that novel foods, including insects, must be addressed in accordance with European Union regulatory, safety, and labeling requirements. The commission subsequently decided by consensus to put the draft bill on the agenda for October 17, 2023, appointing Urmas Kruuse, the Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, as the lead.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the speaker and calls upon Martin Helme to ask a question.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme asks why there has suddenly been a panic in the European Union concerning insect foods, recalling that eating insects has been traditional in Asia due to overpopulation. He then asks who is pushing this agenda and why, mentioning the role of Bill Gates and the European Commission.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse stated that even though there was no debate in the committee, new types of food products are being regulated because of demand. The most crucial factors are food safety and public safety. Allergen labeling is regulated by legislation, and while information regarding health benefits might also appear on the labeling in the future, the choice ultimately rests with the consumer, and the merging of food cultures has enriched us.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speaker thanks the audience and announces that Henn Põlluaas will be the next speaker.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In the committee, there was almost no objection to the necessity of special labeling, and Põlluaas was surprised that the assertion that this change is needed would require an amendment to the law, since Section 38, point 4 of the Food Act establishes the requirements for presenting food-related information by a ministerial regulation.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse stated that food labeling is regulated at a pan-European level, and the draft resolution of the Riigikogu cannot establish national requirements. He added that while efforts are underway to improve labeling generally, this specific draft resolution lacks the legal basis necessary to implement such changes, as allergen notification, including for eggs and dairy products, is already regulated by existing legislation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar explained that pursuant to Section 68, Subsection 3 of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, every member of the Riigikogu may submit only one oral question to each rapporteur. Therefore, he cannot accept a second question, but you are welcome to participate in the ensuing debate.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo stresses, from the standpoint of allergy safety, that labeling must be made as visible as possible and special markings must be used so that people with severe allergies can immediately see which ingredients pose a threat to them, focusing on human health and safety.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse said that the question of labeling insect products concerns not only insects but allergens more broadly, and that changes must be justified and rely on existing legal regulation, since allergies can appear at different stages of life.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the rapporteur, announced that the questioning period was concluded, opened the debate, and on behalf of the EKRE faction, invited Arvo Aller to the Riigikogu podium to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller addresses the topic of special labeling for insect-based foods, emphasizing that this is recommendatory and non-punishable. He highlights the necessity of providing information regarding allergy risks and the need for clear and legible labeling, recommends establishing separate counters or shelves, and requests additional time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asked for three minutes of extra time.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller highlighted the restriction imposed by Italy in November 2023 concerning lab-grown meat and insect flour, stressing that special food labeling helps consumers make clear choices, and that Estonia needs to supplement its novel foods framework, giving the government three months to ensure safe food consumption.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked everyone, closed the discussions, announced that no amendments had been submitted, and called the Riigikogu to a vote on the draft Riigikogu resolution, submitted by the EKRE faction, titled “On the special labeling and sale of insects and foods and products containing insects.”
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that draft bill 222 was rejected, having received 7 votes in favor, 1 against, and 1 abstention. The next item on the agenda was the EKRE faction’s draft bill 261 regarding preparations for a referendum on defining the concept of marriage, but since the presenter was absent, the discussion did not take place, and the session concluded.