This Week in Healthcare — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Sanofi commitments accepted in flu vaccine antitrust case; Commission clears Kimberly-Clark/Kenvue merger; new MRLs set for several pesticides; hydrochloric acid approval renewed.
October 12, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Sanofi commitments accepted in flu vaccine antitrust case; Commission clears Kimberly-Clark/Kenvue merger; new MRLs set for several pesticides; hydrochloric acid approval renewed.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy): On October 19, the EU Council's Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On October 19, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
Commission accepts Sanofi commitments addressing alleged anticompetitive disparagement of rival flu vaccine
On 13 October 2026, the European Commission made legally binding the commitments offered by Sanofi to resolve preliminary concerns under Article 102 TFEU regarding alleged disparagement campaigns against the competing enhanced flu vaccine, Fluad, marketed by CSL Seqirus. The Commission's investigation found that from 2024 to at least autumn 2025, Sanofi may have engaged in misleading communications targeting healthcare professionals in Germany and France, potentially restricting competition in the enhanced flu vaccines market. Sanofi committed to rectifying potentially misleading information and to refrain from negative communications about Fluad until March 2030. These commitments were market-tested from July to August 2026, adjusted, and will be monitored by a trustee. The Commission did not find an infringement but made the commitments binding under Regulation 1/2003.
Commission approves Kimberly-Clark's acquisition of Kenvue, subject to divestment conditions
On 12 October 2026, the European Commission approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Kenvue by Kimberly-Clark. The approval is conditional on Kimberly-Clark divesting all its tampon and feminine hygiene brands, including Kotex, Camelia, and Record, in the European Economic Area. This divestment addresses competition concerns identified in the Czechia, Estonia, and Slovakia tampon markets. Dilek Gıda Üretim ve Pazarlama Ticaret A.Ş. was approved as the purchaser of the divested business. The commitments will be monitored by an independent trustee under Commission supervision. The decision is recorded under case number M.12330.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2289 updates maximum residue levels for several pesticides in food and feed
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2289 of 15 October 2026 amends Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, revising maximum residue levels (MRLs) for acequinocyl, deltamethrin, dodine, maleic hydrazide, pinoxaden, and prothioconazole in or on various products. The amendment follows EFSA opinions confirming the appropriateness of new MRLs for affected commodities, including blueberries, kiwi, grapes, and several cereals. The regulation enters into force 20 days after publication.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2299 amends MRLs for difenoconazole in multiple food products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2299 of 15 October 2026 updates Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, adjusting MRLs for difenoconazole in or on a wide range of food and feed items. The changes follow EFSA's review under Article 12 and include lowered MRLs for potatoes, sweet potatoes, and aubergines, as well as maintenance or revision for other crops and animal products. The new MRLs apply from 5 May 2027.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2246 renews approval of hydrochloric acid for biocidal use
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2246 of 12 October 2026 renews the approval of hydrochloric acid for use in biocidal products of product-type 2, under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. The renewal follows a positive opinion from the Biocidal Products Committee and review by the Latvian competent authority. The renewed approval is subject to specific conditions and enters into force 20 days after its publication.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2273 repeals temporary extension for hydrochloric acid biocidal approval
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2273 of 12 October 2026 repeals Decision (EU) 2023/2619, which had postponed the expiry of hydrochloric acid approval for biocidal products of product-type 2. The repeal follows the renewal of approval under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2246 and enters into force 20 days after publication.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2295 updates emergency measures for avian influenza outbreaks
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2295 of 9 October 2026 amends the Annex to Decision (EU) 2023/2447, updating protection and surveillance zones in Belgium and Bulgaria following new highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. The decision aligns EU-level emergency control measures with national actions and extends certain restrictions in Bulgaria based on the latest epidemiological data.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2228 updates lists of third countries for animal and food imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2228 of 14 October 2026 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405, revising the lists of third countries or regions authorised for entry of certain animals and goods intended for human consumption, under Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The update reflects changes in control plans and trade arrangements with countries such as Canada, Egypt, and Mozambique.
EU Council
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council to adopt recommendation on housing exclusion
On 19 October 2026, Employment and Social Affairs ministers will meet to adopt a recommendation on housing exclusion, including homelessness, and discuss the upcoming Quality Jobs Act.
What We're Reading This Week
- ‘Outdated and inadequate’: Tefal manufacturer urged to drop ‘forever chemicals’ from non-stick pans: Environmental groups pressure Tefal to eliminate PFAS chemicals from cookware amid health and safety concerns.
