Swedish MEP Hanna Gedin (The Left) has asked the European Commission to investigate whether PolyPeptide AB in Malmö breached EU directives on carcinogens and chemical safety, after reports that the company covered up serious chemical accidents and exposed staff to lethal substances. The written parliamentary question, filed on 17 June 2026, cites over 2,000 internal health and safety reports submitted by workers, while the company itself reported only five major incidents in two decades. Gedin also highlights a company risk analysis admitting insufficient trained staff due to high turnover and lack of time to train new employees, who are reportedly tasked with handling the largest quantities of hazardous chemicals.
Gedin’s first question asks what measures the Commission considers appropriate if there has been a breach of Directive 2004/37/EC (on carcinogens and mutagens) or Directive 98/24/EC (on chemical agents). The second question presses the Commission on its view of the injuries suffered by PolyPeptide employees and what steps it is taking to prevent workplace deaths or injuries from hazardous chemical exposure.
The question contains concrete references to specific EU directives and a detailed factual basis, but does not set numerical targets or deadlines. It signals a strong push for enforcement and worker protection, reflecting The Left group’s focus on occupational health and safety. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it considers the case a priority and whether it plans to launch an investigation or recommend corrective measures.
- PolyPeptide AB: Faces potential Commission investigation, reputational damage, and possible sanctions if breaches are confirmed. - PolyPeptide employees: Could benefit from improved safety measures and enforcement of EU directives. - EU regulatory bodies (Commission): Must decide on enforcement action, balancing worker protection with business compliance costs. - Swedish authorities: May face scrutiny over their oversight of the plant and reporting discrepancies.