WRITTEN QUESTION E-0232/00 by Nicole Thomas-Mauro (UEN) to the Commission. White Paper on Food Safety.
Date: 2000-02-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, food safety

C 303 E/164

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

24.10.2000

(2000/C 303 E/182)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0231/00

by Nicole Thomas-Mauro (UEN) to the Commission

(4 February 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety

The White Paper on Food Safety contains plans to establish a network of contacts between the European
Food Authority and similar agencies, namely national agencies and institutions with responsibility for food
safety. What form will such cooperation take, however? To what extent will divergent opinions expressed
by national agencies be heeded?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2000)

The white paper on food safety (1) adopted by the Commission on 12 January 2000 contains an outline for
the structure and functioning of the future European food authority. The Commission has called for
comments before the end of April 2000. In the meantime, reflections continue in order to refine the
concepts contained in the white paper. In any event, the European food authority will need to work in
close co-operation with other scientific bodies in the Member States and elsewhere. By implementing the
principles of independence, excellence and transparency, the Authority should progressively command
trust and respect and to achieve recognition as the most authoritative source of advice and information.

(1) COM(1999) 719 final.

(2000/C 303 E/183)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0232/00

by Nicole Thomas-Mauro (UEN) to the Commission

(4 February 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety

Why does the White Paper take a more cautious approach to health claims than the more flexible national
arrangements? Why does the Commission not propose a precise framework enabling health claims to be
put to reasonable use?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(9 March 2000)

Article 2 of Council Directive 79/112/EEC of 18 December 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (1) for sale to the ultimate
customer states that the above must not attribute to any foodstuff the property of preventing, treating or
curing a human disease, or refer to such properties. The claims regarding the reduced likelihood of
contracting an illness derive from that ban.

As stated in the White Paper on Food Safety (2), the Commission feels that no changes to the principle of
that provision are called for.

As provided for in the White Paper the Commission will, however, examine whether it is appropriate to
introduce into Community law any specific provisions governing nutritional and operational claims
concerning the beneficial effects of a given nutrient on certain normal bodily functions. Laying down a
stringent framework for this type of claim will constitute an initial stage in an overall commitment to
provide consumers with reliable science-based information that is appropriate to the nature of those
products, thus enabling them to make choices that are beneficial to their health and general welfare.

(1) OJ L 33, 8.2.1979. Directive as last amended by Directive 97/4/EC OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.
(2) COM(1999) 719 final.