WRITTEN QUESTION E-2159/99

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(24 November 1999)

Subject: Protecting high-quality traditional local products

There have been an increasing number of complaints by trade and producers' associations against proposals that the Commission is allegedly putting forward with a view to prohibiting the production of traditional local products such as Italian mozzarella or other types of cheese which have been produced for centuries in clearly-defined agricultural areas. It would appear that the same applies to some parts of France, where the producers concerned are understandably up in arms.

1. Would the Commission say whether such proposals actually do exist?

2. If they do, would it draw up a list of the types of cheese that would disappear, broken down by Member State?

3. Is it aware of the economic and social damage that would be caused in the areas concerned by the removal of market niches which have formed part of the local culture of entire valleys and regions for many generations?

4. Does it realise that banning such products, on which in many cases the image of entire regions is built, would lead to the senseless destruction of small enterprises and that the only people to benefit from such a move would be industrial-scale producers and the retailing and distribution industry?

5. Does it really believe that initiatives of this kind are likely to convey an image of a humane Europe, or rather one of a Europe which is so technocratic, aloof and out of touch with the feelings of ordinary citizens that it is prepared to sweep away age-old traditions?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 2000)

The Commission was not aware of the allegations to which the Honourable Member refers.

The Commission has never drafted a proposal to ban traditional cheeses. Its only intention is to revise the health legislation relating to milk and dairy products, and in particular to update the microbiological criteria which apply to them.

The opinions of the Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures Relating to Public Health, of 23 September 1999, brought together scientific knowledge in this field at international level. The question of establishing specific microbiological criteria for dairy products will be brought before the relevant scientific committee, and the committee's opinion will serve as a basis for drawing up modernised rules.

The Commission's foremost concern is to ensure food safety, without neglecting the gastronomic and nutritional quality of food. Furthermore, its President has stated before Parliament that he gives priority to food safety and is aware of the strong social and cultural symbolism of food.

As regards in particular the safeguarding of traditional production methods and typical products, it is important to note that since 1992 the Commission has pursued a policy of quality in the area of agri-foodstuffs.

With regard to the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs(1), the Commission completed the list of names and indications registered, the total number of which is now 526.

In terms both of the Member States concerned and of types of production, recent registrations prove that interest in protecting typical production forms linked to geographical origin is growing.

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.