WRITTEN QUESTION E-2483/96 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission (25 September 1996)

Subject: Requirement to indicate the region where foodstuffs originated or were produced

A requirement to specify the origin of foodstuffs is a political measure that would do much to dispel the widespread bewilderment and uncertainty among consumers. Such action seems more necessary than ever, since the crisis in confidence relates to food safety in general and not just to beef and beef products.

Given the consequences of BSE in terms of health and the agricultural sector, does the Commission agree that a labelling system for meat and meat products needs to be introduced as a matter of urgency? What steps will it take to ensure that the origin of all foodstuffs is specified in future?

Does the Commission believe that Article 3(1) of Directive 79/112/EEC ((OJ L 33, 8.2.1979, p. 1. )) should be amended to the effect that the region of origin or production would have to be specified and that this identification requirement would apply both to packaged goods and to those sold loose?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (14 November 1996)

The decline in consumer confidence in the beef market resulting from the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis has highlighted deficiencies in the provisions relating to the presentation for sale of beef and beef products as well as the traceability of animals. The Commission has adopted proposals for Council regulations on the identification and registration of bovine animals and the labelling of beef and beef products ((COM(96) 460. )). These regulations will ensure the traceability of meat and animals, thus creating a sound basis for the presentation of beef and beef products in which the consumer can have confidence. With regard to labelling of beef and beef products it is proposed to introduce a regulation setting out clearly the requirements necessary for a coherent and reliable labelling system.

Article 3(1)(7) of Directive 79/112/CEE on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs requires foodstuff labels to include particulars of the place of origin or provenance in cases where failure to do so might mislead the consumer as to the true origin or provenance of the foodstuff. The Commission has no intention for the moment of amending the provision along the lines suggested by the Honourable Member. The current wording of Article 3 strikes a balance between the need to inform consumers and the principle of the free movement of foodstuffs.

In terms of the single market, a requirement to indicate routinely the origin of a foodstuff could result in new barriers to trade through, for example, a campaign maligning products from certain Member States, while, in many cases, doing nothing to provide consumers with significant information.

Moreover, Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin ((OJ L 208, 24.7.1992. )), aims at protecting certain geographical denominations. There are two kinds of denominations; designations of origin and geographical indication. When a name is registered it is reserved for producers from a geographical area. This guarantees to the consumer that the product comes from a certain area and is made according to a certain method.