WRITTEN QUESTION No. 905/98 by Marjo MATIKAINEN-KALLSTRÖM to the Commission. Shortcomings in labelling of the origin of beef
Date: 1998-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, MATIKAINEN-KALLSTROEM
Subjects: Finland, beef, consumer information, consumer protection, health control, labelling, meat product, product quality

C 354/38

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

19. 11. 98

(98/C 354/71)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0905/98

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallstro¤m (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Shortcomings in labelling of the origin of beef

The label of origin system for beef in accordance with an EU regulation is to come into force in the Member
States in April. However, it appears that the labelling system is turning out to be incomplete, since the labelling
requirement will not apply to marinated and spiced meat. In Finland, some 15 to 20% of braising steak is sold in a
spiced sauce.

This labelling system will thus only enable the consumer to be sure of the origin of fresh meat. How does the
Commission propose to ensure the high quality of beef not covered by this system?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1998)

The scope of Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97 establishing a system for the identification and registration of
bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products (1) covers fresh and frozen beef, thick skirt
and  thin  skirt,  falling  within  CN  (combined  nomenclature)  codes  0201,  0202,  0206  10  95  and  0206  29  91.
Additional  note  6(a)  to  chapter  2  of  the  combined  nomenclature  excludes  uncooked  seasoned  meat  from
chapter 2. (cid:145)Seasoned meat(cid:146) shall be uncooked meat that has been seasoned either in depth or over the whole
surface  of  the  product  with  seasoning  either  visible  to  the  naked  eye  or  clearly  distinguishable  by  taste.
Therefore, seasoned meat is not covered by this Regulation. An operator is still able to label seasoned meat but
not in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 820/97.

Article 19(6) of the Regulation states that by 1 January 2000, the Council shall take a decision on the possible
extension of the scope of the Regulation.

(1)  OJ L 117, 7.5.1997.

(98/C 354/72)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0906/98

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

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Fishing for swordfish in the Atlantic by vessels flying flags of convenience

Given the alarming increase in the irregular and unrestricted activity of fleets flying flags of convenience or of
third countries which are not subject to ICCAT quotas, and which are engaged in catching swordfish, particularly
south of 5(cid:176) North, urgent intervention by the Commission is absolutely essential in order to curb the irreversible
depletion of stocks and the severe imbalances caused on those Community markets on which these catches are
sold, the result of which is unfair competition for the Community fleet which operates in the area and abides
scrupulously by ICCAT measures and recommendations.

Is the Commission aware of the gravity of the situation?

Can the Commission provide information on the measures it envisages adopting in order to mitigate the grave
consequences arising out of this situation?

Would the Commission be prepared to propose trade measures and sanctions at ICCAT against fleets from third
countries and those flying flags of convenience engaged in unrestricted fishing for swordfish in the area?