EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/36

(2004/C 84 E/0040)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2760/03

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 September 2003)

Subject: ‘Mexillón de Galicia’ (Galician mussels) — protected designation of origin (PDO)

Between 260 and 300 million kg of exceptionally fine mussels are marketed every year; turnover totals more than EUR 400 million; 2 400 families are directly involved in mussel culture; and the sector provides 13 000 jobs, of which approximately 8 500 are permanent, plus 7 000 generated indirectly. These figures are a measure of the strength of Galician mussel culture and make Galicia the world's largest producer of cultivated mussels for human consumption. They are, moreover, particularly significant in view of the fact that the proceeds of production are spread across a broad social base and, because decision-making machinery is concentrated at the local level, reinvested in the region itself. The resulting knock-on effect on the local economy makes for social and economic stability. The sector accounts for about 50 % of total EU production: 3 5 % of its produce is sold fresh, 41 % is canned or preserved by traditional methods, and 24 % is used for the increasingly popular alternative new ways of processing. The Galician mussel cultivation management board has already applied for a protected designation of origin (PDO), which would constitute a worldwide benchmark because it would be the first to be awarded to a seafood product. In his answer of 30 October 2002 to my Written Question E-3117/02 (1) Mr Fischler stated that ‘The examination of the application for the name'Mejillones de Galicia'to be registered has already been the subject of several working meetings of the Scientific Committee, which has also asked for further information … The next meeting will take place in early January 2003’.

1. Can the Commission say what progress has been made in the PDO approval and registration procedure?

2. Can it explain the reasons for the delay and the possible obstacles to approval?

3. What steps has the Commission taken or will it take to facilitate and speed up approval of the PDO for Galician mussels? When does it think that the approval and registration procedure will be completed?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2003)

The application for the name Mejillón de Galicia to be registered as a protected designation of origin (PDO) was submitted on 19 February 2001. The application referred to a specification including two types of presentation: fresh mussels and processed mussels (heat-treated and then frozen or chilled).

The file received did not contain all the information needed to show that all the requirements for registration stipulated in 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 (2) were met.

The Commission asked for further information in order to be able to assess the validity of the application. Since the replies received were not sufficient to dispel the doubts on certain points, the Scientific Committee for protected designations of origin (PDOs), protected geographical indications (PGIs) and traditional specialities guaranteed (TSGs) was asked to give an opinion.

In April 2003 the Committee concluded that heat treatment and freezing alter the physical and organoleptic characteristics of the fresh product and sever the link between the quality of the fresh product and the geographical area of production. Thus the treatments described are not compatible with the designation of origin concept. The Committee therefore found against registration of the name Mejillón de Galicia as a protected designation of origin with a specification including presentation in processed form (‘procesada’). But it endorsed registration of the name with a specification restricted to the fresh presentation.

Given the Committee's opinion, the fact that more than one quality label exists (protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication) and the reputation enjoyed by Galician mussels, the Spanish authorities have been invited to discuss with the Commission's officials what is the best solution for the application.

(1) OJ C 110 E, 8.5.2003, p. 167.

(2) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.