WRITTEN QUESTION P-1814/99 by Luciana Sbarbati (ELDR) to the Commission. Protection for foodstuffs produced by small undertakings in Italy.
Date: 1999-10-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU law, consumer protection, craft business, craft production, cultural object, customs and traditions, designation of origin, food safety, food standard, foodstuff, health control, heritage protection, industrial production

20.6.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 170 E/107

The Commission takes the view that additional measures should be taken to ensure a smooth transition to
euro notes and coins. In its recommendation 98/0286/EC (1) of 23 April 1998, it therefore called on banks
to convert (cid:145)household amounts(cid:146) free of charge for their customers. This applies to notes and coins alike.

With regard to the second point, it should be noted that, as matters stand, it is not generally possible to
exchange coins from another Member State in another Member State in the euro area. The question is
therefore whether an additional service should be put in place when euro notes and coins are introduced,
what the price and conditions of such a service would be and who would bear the costs of it. In the light
of the particular logistical problems associated with handling coins, significant resources would probably
be necessary if conversion were possible throughout the euro area. In general, however, the value of
national coins is limited and therefore the bodies offering this service would not stand to benefit greatly.
Nevertheless, the Commission is aware of the problem and is currently discussing arrangements for talks
with the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Member States with a view to finding a
solution which is both economically reasonable and satisfactory for individuals in the Union.

(1) COM(98) 961 final.

(2000/C 170 E/125)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1814/99

by Luciana Sbarbati (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 October 1999)

Subject: Protection for foodstuffs produced by small undertakings in Italy

In accordance with the undertakings given by the European Union, several vertical directives in the
foodstuffs sector are to be simplified with a view to taking account of only those essential requirements
which such products must meet in order to move freely within the single market.

Is the Commission sure that the quality and health standards laid down in those directives are not likely to
hamper the development and protection of traditional foodstuffs produced by small undertakings, which
are high-quality products that form part of the cultural heritage and, at the same time, are important both
from an economic and employment point of view and as regards consumer protection?

How does it intend to prevent Italian small undertakings producing a wide range of foodstuffs (Fabriano
salami, Fossa cheese, Colonnata bacon, honey, pasta, bread, chocolate, etc.) from being severely disadvan-
taged vis-(cid:224)-vis multinational firms which produce foodstuffs on an industrial scale but to lower standards
of quality?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 1999)

Among the other things Community food law is intended to protect public health by laying down rules
covering hygiene and inspection. Those rules must be obeyed by all producers, whether small or industrial
in scale.

The Commission has not had any feedback confirming that such arrangements, which have been in
existence for years, hamper the development and protection of small-scale production or lowers its quality.
Moreover, Council Regulation (EEC 2081/2 of 14 July 1992) on the protection of geographical indications
location and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1) and Council Regulation (EEC)
2082/92 of 14 July 1992 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs (2)
enable traditional products to be promoted and protected if they meet the requisite conditions. A large
number of agrifoods that are often produced on a small scale thus benefit from that designation at
Community level.

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.
(2) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.