This Week in Healthcare — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Biocidal product authorisations extended in Hungary, Poland, Malta; new Decision on avian influenza zones; glutaraldehyde approval extended; new plant protection labelling rules.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Biocidal product authorisations extended in Hungary, Poland, Malta; new Decision on avian influenza zones; glutaraldehyde approval extended; new plant protection labelling rules.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission fines Temu €200 million for breaches under the Digital Services Act
On 27 May 2026, the European Commission fined Temu €200 million for failing to meet its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission found that Temu's 2024 risk assessment did not adequately identify, analyse, or address systemic risks of illegal products, particularly in categories such as chargers and baby toys, which were found to pose safety risks including chemical hazards and suffocation. The investigation was based on Temu's risk assessment reports for 2024 and 2025, responses to formal Commission requests, third-party information, and an independent mystery shopping exercise. The Commission cited evidence from EU customs and market surveillance authorities, indicating high rates of non-compliance among products tested. Temu has until 28 August 2026 to submit an action plan under Article 75 DSA. The European Board for Digital Services will review this plan before the Commission adopts a final decision, with further penalties possible if compliance is not achieved.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Extension of approval for glutaraldehyde in biocidal products to 2029
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1109 of 22 May 2026 postpones the expiry date for glutaraldehyde's approval in biocidal products of types 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, and 12. The new expiry is set for 31 March 2029, due to ongoing evaluation delays concerning (eco)toxicological data. The original approval was by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1759, and the extension follows a request from Finland, the evaluating competent authority.
Labelling requirements updated for plant protection products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1123 of 26 May 2026 updates labelling rules for plant protection products, repealing Regulation (EU) No 547/2011. The new regulation introduces digital labels, aligns criteria with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, and mandates inclusion of information on safeners and synergists. Application is set from 1 January 2028, with transitional measures for ongoing authorisations.
Commission refuses authorisation for creatine cognitive health claim
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1118 of 26 May 2026 denies authorisation for a health claim linking creatine to improved cognitive function. The European Food Safety Authority's opinion (EFSA-Q-2024-00106) did not confirm a cause-and-effect relationship. The claim, submitted by Alzchem Trostberg GmbH, will not be included in the Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Biobor JF authorisation extended for aircraft fuel treatment in Poland and Hungary
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1104 allows Poland to extend authorisation for Biobor JF in treating aircraft fuel tanks until 24 October 2027. Similarly, Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1182 grants Hungary an extension until 28 October 2027. Both actions are based on Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, Article 55(1), and respond to the absence of alternatives after withdrawal of Kathon™ FP 1.5.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
Wofasteril SC super use extended for hospital PPE decontamination in Malta
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1126 authorises Malta to extend the use of Wofasteril® SC super for decontaminating personal protective equipment at Mater Dei Hospital’s High Degree Isolation Unit. The extension, valid until 23 June 2027, is based on Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and responds to the absence of suitable alternatives for the installed decontamination system.
Emergency measures for avian influenza updated in multiple Member States
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1186 of 28 May 2026 amends previous emergency measures for outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The Decision updates the restricted zones in France, the Netherlands, and Poland, following new outbreaks, and adapts the duration of measures as notified by national authorities. It also repeals certain redundant certification requirements.
EP Committee Work
Committee on Public Health issues opinion on European Competitiveness Fund proposal
On 27 May 2026, the Committee on Public Health (SANT) adopted an opinion on the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), including provisions for defence research and innovation. Rapporteur Radan Kanev (EPP, Bulgaria) focused on provisions relevant to healthcare research and competitiveness, with the opinion addressing the potential consolidation of health and research funding under the ECF framework.
SANT Committee delegation reports on transatlantic public health mission
The Committee on Public Health (SANT) concluded its first official visit to the United States, engaging with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labour, and Pensions and the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Discussions addressed access to medicines, chronic disease management, and workforce challenges. The delegation also visited the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Transplant Services and explored developments in regenerative medicine.
What We're Reading This Week
- Leone XIV commissaria l'ospedale di Padre Pio: «Debiti intorno ai 250 milioni di euro»: Leone XIV appoints a commissioner to Padre Pio Hospital amid financial crisis with debts nearing 250 million euros.
- France heatwave sparks calls for more supervision at swimming areas after multiple drownings: After several drownings during a heatwave, officials urge increased safety measures and supervision at France's swimming spots.
- Video. Fact check: Viral hantavirus map does not show confirmed cases: A widely shared map claiming to show hantavirus cases is inaccurate and does not reflect verified outbreak data.
