WRITTEN QUESTION E-2254/99

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(1 December 1999)

Subject: Geographical origin of quality products

1. Why does the Commission not uphold the principle that, in the interests of consumer protection, the geographical origin of quality products such as honey should be guaranteed?

2. Why can a certificate of specific character not be awarded to pure virgin honey without delays or hold-ups, since a quality mark of this kind would be highly appreciated by consumers?

3. In order to ensure food safety and prevent adulteration and fraud, why does the Commission not propose that parameters and procedures for analysis and control be laid down based on the latest scientific findings?

4. Would it not be appropriate to provide a clear definition of quality standards for honey based on the origins of the product and the production method used?

5. Why can provision not be made, as it has in the case of many other rules, for the Member States to be allowed to introduce more stringent quality rules for their own products?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 January 2000)

1. Since 1992 the designations of products with specific features from a strictly defined geographical area may be protected under Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs(1). A number of applications from Member States resulted in the registration of designations of origin for honey. Italy has not yet submitted such an application for registration under Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92.

2. As regards quality policy, the Council also adopted Regulation (EEC) No 2082/92 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs. The Italian authorities submitted an application for a certificate under that Regulation for the designation Miele vergine integrale which is now being discussed with the Commission. The latest additional information was received in October 1999.

3. and 4. Directive 74/409/EEC on honey(2), which is now being revised(3), defines honey and lays down certain criteria for its composition which all honey must meet if it is to be marketed under that name. Other criteria may be laid down as progress is made in methods of analysis. To that end, as the Commission pointed out in its communication of 24 June 1994 to the Council and the European Parliament on European apiculture, it is encouraging the development of harmonised methods of analysis to check compliance with the quality specifications for different types of honey, based on their botanical or geographical origin, in order to prevent and combat fraud. Work carried out by the Ispra research centre for that purpose has taken account of the most recent scientific methods of analysis. The results of this study were recently sent to the Commission, which will evaluate them. In any event, the Commission would point out that it is up to the inspection authorities in each Member State to ensure that products comply with Community legislation.

The Directive referred to above and the revisions proposed will enable honey producers to add to the description for sale details of the flowers or plants from which the honey was obtained and its regional, territorial or local origin. Designations of honey with a specific character may also be protected under Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 2081/92 or 2082/92.

5. As in the case of many rules concerning foodstuffs, the Commission considers that, once the Community legislator has acted to harmonise the technical rules on composition, any national action would be likely to create obstacles to trade within the Community. More restrictive national rules may, however, be permitted when they are justified by considerations of public health.

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.

(2) OJ L 221, 12.8.1974.

(3) COM(95) 722 final.