Several European companies have been sent charge sheets as part of an investigation into a suspected animal-feed cartel, a spokesman for Europe’s competition watchdog said Jan. 8.
“I can confirm that the commission has sent a statement of objections to a number of companies concerning a suspected cartel in the animal feed phosphates sector,” said Jonathan Todd, a spokesman for the European Commission.
The livestock industry feeds phosphate supplements to bolster growth and reproduction.
Belgian chemical company Tessenderlo and Finnish chemicals maker Kemira said they had been contacted as part of the investigation.
Kemira said it had received a letter from the European Commission related to the suspected cartel, and had previously flagged the matter when its animal feeds business was listed in 2004.
The unit has since been sold to Norway’s Yara, whose Canadian holdings include the former Saskferco nitrogen plant at Belle Plaine, Sask. and warehouse at Carman.
