CELEX: 51988PC0489
Language: en
Date: 1988-10-05
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE on the introduction of compulsory nutrition labelling of foodstuffs intended for sale to the ultimate consumer#Proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE on nutrition labelling rules for foodstuffs intended for sale to the ultimate consumer#(presented to the Commission)

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 ---pagebreak---   COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                         /
                                                      COM(88 ) 489 final-SYN 155
                                                      Brussels ,  5  October 1988
                                          Proposai for a
                                        COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
             on the introduction of compulsory nutrition labelling
                         of foodstuffs intended for sale to the
                                        ultimate consumer
                                          Proposai for a
                                        COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
                    on nutrition labelling rules for foodstuffs
                                   intended for sale to the
                                        ultimate consumer
I
                               ( presented to the Commission )
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 ---pagebreak---                               EXPLANATORY NOTE
INTRODUCTION
Advances in the field of nutrition science have led to the identification
of an increasing number of links between nutrition and health .
These factors are particularly important in countries or regions at an
advanced stage of economic development / such as the Community/ where both
the change in age profile of the population and an increased longevity
have led to higher incidences of illnesses such as cardiovascular disease
and cancer to which diet can be a contributory cause .
Nutrition education/ in which nutrition information plays an essential
role / is being increasingly used by public authorities in preventive
measures / with the object of alleviating suffering and making a more
effective use of public funds in prevention rather then treatment .
It is for these reasons and to facilitate international trade that work
started in the late seventies in the WHO / FAO CODEX ALIMENTARIUS on
nutrition labelling for foodstuffs . Member countries of Codex
Alimentarius numerous international organizations / and the Community /
participated in the work of the CODEX Committee on food labelling and the
guidelines on nutrition labelling were finally adopted by the CODEX
Commission ( which includes all Member States ) in July 1985 .
In parallel / a number of governments and international organizations have
commissioned reports from scientific bodies / which have frequently led to
recommendations for action in the field of nutrition and nutrition
 information .
However / the science is in continuous development and the recommendations
of these bodies do not always coincide/ particularly since dietary habits
show regional variations .  There is nevertheless a general agreement on
 ---pagebreak--- the need for action in the form of education , coupled with the provision
of nutrition information to the consumer which is clear and unequivocal .
Growing interest in nutrition has been stimulated by a very large number
of popular publications and extensive media coverage .
Responding to the interest of the general public , manufacturers and
traders are supplying nutrition information on foods which is , however ,
given in a large variety of formats and sometimes in a way which could
make a particular food more attractive to the consumer .
Although misleading labelling, including misleading claims , is already
prohibited under Article 2 of Directive 79/112/EEC^, the lack of precise
rules for nutrition labelling may lead to the consumer being confused
where the information is based on different assumptions .
Thus a variety of technical coefficients can be used for converting the
weight of a food ingredient into an energy value . Sugar can be declared
as sucrose , but where sugar labelling is provided it should properly
include all other sugars such as fructose , glucose or lactose . Sometimes
nutrients are declared as " added" without taking into account those
naturally present in the food .
Since nutrition has become a question of intense public debate general
consensus emerged that the situation should be clarified legally .
Some Member States have enacted legislation or notified draft legislation
to the Commission .
Germany has legislation in force and has recently notified a draft
modification .
  Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
  relating to the labelling , presentation and advertising of foodstuffs for
  sale to the ultimate consumer ,
  OJ No 33 , 8.2.1979,p.1
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 4 -
The United Kingdom issued nutrition Labelling recommendations in
July 1987 which have been notified to the Commission .
The Netherlands has enacted legislation and transmitted a text to the
Commission .
Denmark has transmitted a draft text to the Commission .
In its consultations with Member States during the preparation of the
proposed Regulation the Commission has been informed that preparatory
work is in hand in other Member States .
The Commission therefore, in conformity with its intention announced in
its Communication on food law in 1985^ and the action plan "Europe
against Cancer"^ considers that , in order to ensure the functioning of
the Common Market , it is necessary to lay down common rules for nutrition
labelling in the Community .
Foods bearing compulsory nutrition labelling in accordance with the first
Directive and / or conforming to the general rules on format laid down in
the second Directive would be able to circulate freely . All other forms
of nutrition labelling would be prohibited but foods bearing no nutrition
labelling would also have free circulation .
        The Commission has studied the question of the high level
       of health and consumer protection required by the terms of
       Article 100A , paragraph 3 . It has done so following
       consultation    with   the  industrial   and  social  partners
       concerned , and in the light of current technical capabil ¬
       ities of - European industry . The proposalstake full account
       of these considerations in the light of the overall
       objectives of this provision of the Treaty .
  Completion of the Internal Market ;
  Community legislation on foodstuffs , C0M(85 ) 603 final
3
  0J C 50 of 26.2.87, action proposai 17
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 5 -
PART A
                                          ■ ?' ■
      PROPOSAL ON THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY NUTRITION LABELLING
In its Communication on food law the Commission announced that it would
be proposing further measures on nutrition labelling by 1989 .     However,
the Commission considers it is already necessary to envisage the
compulsory labelling of certain nutrients for various foods .
Since the detailed provisions and scope of mandatory labelling cannot be ,
as yet , defined , the Commission prefers to propose an instrument which
will allow the Commission , at the request of a Member State or on its own
initiative, to adopt appropriate measures with regard to mandatory
nutrition labelling , the foods to which this requirement must be applied
and the definition of nominal values of nutrient content for foods which
have variable composition .
The first Directive annexed to this note sets out this procedure . Since
it concerns only enabling provisions and therefore questions of an
interinstitutional rather than economic nature , the Food Advisory
Committee has not been consulted .
               CONTENT OF THE PROPOSAL ON THE INTRODUCTION OF
                        COMPULSORY NUTRITION LABELLING
                                  Article 1
Nutrition labelling serves the purpose of informing    the consumers of the
nutritional content of foods , thus allowing them to   make an informed
choice of the food they consume .    The eventual aim  is to enable those
who wish to arrive at a "balanced” diet appropriate    to their needs and
desires .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                            /е
                                    - 6 -
Nutrition Labelling is one of a variety of actions which could help to
achieve this aim .   Its compulsory introduction will , however, have
important implications for the whole of the food chain .    The setting of
criteria to be considered for establishing the necessity of introducing
compulsory nutrition labelling is therefore appropriate .
Because of the emphasis given to scientific arguments , the consultation
of the Scientific Committee for Food is judged necessary .
                                 Article 2
Once the introduction of compulsory nutrition labelling, when certain
criteria are met , has been agreed the implementing provisions would be of
a technical nature .   The Advisory Committee procedure is therefore
proposed by the Commission in line with the declaration on the powers of
implementation of the Commission annexed to the Single European Act .
 ---pagebreak--- PART B
                   PROPOSAL ON  NUTRITION LABELLING RULES
The proposed rules diverge from those of the CODEX with respect to the
number of nutrients , the declaration of which is compulsory if nutrition
labelling is used .
Whereas Codex requires only the declaration of energy , protein,
carbohydrate and fat , the Commission feels that there is sufficient
consumer interest to require that in addition sugars , dietary fibre and
sodium should be declared .
In addition to preventing barriers to free circulation in respect of
nutrition labelling this Directive would :
- provide a uniform and stable format for government information and
  education programmes ;
- resolve the competitive difficulties arising in the market place and
  questions of misleading labelling in this respect ;
- since it is largely in concordance with CODEX, contribute to the
  reduction of costs for manufacturers exporting to third countries .
The Food Advisory Committee has been consulted on the text of this
proposal which deals with all the technical aspects of nutrition
labelling .
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 8 -
CONTENT OF THE PROPOSAL ON NUTRITION LABELLING RULES
                                 Article 1
A large number of definitions are set out here in order to make easier
the application of nutrition labelling . These will facilitate the task
of those responsible for the information given and controlling
authorities , ensuring at the same time uniform and comparable information
of the consumer .
The present state of scientific opinion has not allowed the Commission to
propose a satisfactory definition for dietary fibre . To overcome this
obstacle the Commission proposes the establishment of a common method of
analysis for the measurement of this material .
                                 Artide 2
It is proposed that when a nutrition claim is made , either . on the label
or in advertising, nutrition labelling will be provided in full . This
will provide for the consumer a clear and complete picture of the product
for which a nutrition claim is made and prevent any possible abuses . In
all other cases products are free to circulate whether they bear
nutrition labelling or not . In proposing this , the Commission was aware
of the great variety of products produced and offered for sale by widely
differing food production units throughout the Community and of the
existing profile of consumers which would seek such information . The
Commission believes that consumer desires expressed through their
purchases will have a crucial role for the application of nutrition
labelling .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                             β
                                    - 9 -
                                 Article 3
Paragraph 1 defines that block of nutrients and the format in which they
have to be declared when nutrition labelling is applied . In addition to
energy , protein, carbohydrate and fat which are widely accepted as giving
a fair overall picture of a product , the Commission chose to include here
sugars , fibre and sodium .
These nutrients have received particular attention in the context of the
rich " western" diet prevailing throughout the Community .
Paragraphs 2 and 3 define a further list of nutrients, the declaration of
which may be added to the main block of nutrients . This allows the
provision of further information if this is desired by the producer,
while at the same time limits declaration to those nutrients whose
importance has been established through adequate and acceptable
scientific works .
                                 Article 4
The Commission is aware that scientifically established values for the
conversion factors may differ from the proposed ones . However , bearing
in mind the purpose they will serve , these figures have been rounded off .
The proposed factor for sugar alcohols in particular differs
substantially from the one applied up to now . However , there is a
growing volume of scientific literature in support of the proposed
figure .
                                 Article 5
Further detailed rules on the presentation of nutrition labelling are set
out in this article in order to ensure clear, uniform and comparable
information for the consumer .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                            H
                                    - 10 -
Given the different culinary habits within the Community and the
differing conceptions as to which parts of a foodstuff are edible or not ,
it has been chosen that the declared amounts of nutrients will be those
of the food as sold rather than those of the food capable of being
consumed .
The option to declare the amounts of vitamins and minerals present is
conditional upon the presence of a significant amount of these nutrients
in a given quantity of food . Recommended Daily Allowances ( RDAs ) for
vitamins and minerals are necessary to determine these significant
amounts . However , for the purpose they will serve, these RDAs need not
be determined on the basis of strict scientific criteria . At this stage ,
it is considered that these values given in the Annex may also serve to
express the vitamin and mineral content as a percentage of the RDA . In
the light of experience gained from the application of this Directive ,
the Commission may consider determining a set of values better adapted
for use within the Community .
Although ideally it would be desirable for the declared nutrient amount
to be derived from analysis of the product , the Commission is conscious
of the insurmountable obstacles in this area for many food production
establishments . It therefore proposes , in addition, the acceptance of
other sources of data as the basis for such calculations .
                                 Article 6
In line with the declaration on the powers of implementation of the
Commission annexed to the Single European Act , the Commission proposes
the Advisory Committee procedure for the adoption of implementing
measures of a technical nature .
                                 Article 7
Provision has been made here to allow for the disposal of stocks of
packages and packaged goods manufactured before the coming into force of
the Directive through the normal commercial channels .
 ---pagebreak---                                       Proposai for a
                                  , C0UNCIL DIRECTIVE
                 on the introduction of compulsory nutrition
     labelling of foodstuffs intended for sale to the ultimate consumer
 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
 Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
 and in particular Article 10Qa thereof ,
                                                      1
 Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ,
                                                 2
 In cooperation with the European Parliament ,
 Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^,
Whereas it is important that measures should be adopted with a view to the
progressive establishment of the internal market by 31 December 1992 ;   whereas
the internal market will embrace an area without internal frontieriea in whieh
freedom of movement is enaursA for goods , persona , aervioea and oapitalf
 Whereas on ... the Council adopted Directive ... on nutrition labelling
 rules for foodstuffs intended for sale to the ultimate consumer ;
 1
 2
 3
 ---pagebreak--- Whereas as a result of the current intense scientific activity on the
subject of the relationship between diet and health , it may be necessary
for some elements of nutrition labelling to become compulsory;
Whereas the necessary specific- rules are implementing
measures of a technical nature ; whereas their adoption should be
entrusted to the Commission in order to simplify and expedite the
procedure,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE :
                                    Article 1
1.    Where it is necessary to introduce compulsory nutrition labelling for foodstuffs
 the necessary measures shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the
procedure laid down in Article 2 and after consultation of the Scientific
Committee for Food .
2 . For the purposes of determining whether it is necessary to introduce
compulsory nutrition labelling, the following criteria shall be taken
into consideration :
   a ) the existence of epidemiological evidence linking the intake of
       certain foods or nutrients by the population or by substantial groups there¬
       of to specific diseases ;
   b ) the need to improve the nutrition status of the population or
       substantial groups thereof ;
3 . In the preparation of the. measures consideration shall be given to
their practicality and effectiveness compared to other measures through
which the same goals could be achieved .
 ---pagebreak--- 4 . Any Member State may draw the Commission 's attention to evidence that
the criteria laid down in paragraph 2 are satisfied .
                                    Article 2
Where the procedure laid down in this Article is to be followed the
representative of the Commission shall submit to the standing Committee a
draft of the measures to be taken .
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft , within a time limit
which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter,
if necessary by taking a vote .
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutesj in addition each Member
State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the
minutes .
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by
the Committee .     It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its
opinion has been taken into account .
                                    Article 3
Member States shall, by .           , bring into force by law, regulation or adnini strati ve action any
provisions necessary to comply with this Directive .           They shall forthwith
inform the Commission thereof .
                                    Article 4
This Directive is addressed to the Member States .
Done at . . .                                                 For the Counci l
                                                             The President
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                  a
                                    - 14 -
                                   Proposai for a
                                 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE  : ru
           on nutrition Labelling rules for foodstuffs intended for
                         sale to the ultimate consumer
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
 Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
 and in particular Article 100a thereof ,
 Having regard to the proposal from the Commission^,
 In cooperation with the European Parliament^,
 Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^,
Whereas it is important that measures should be adopted with a view to the
progressive establishment of the internal market by 31 December 1992 ;   whereas
the internal market will embrace an area without internal frontieriee in whieh
freedom of movement ie ensured for goods , persons , servioes and oapital ;
 Whereas there is growing public interest in the relationship between diet
 and health and the choice of an appropriate diet to suit individual needs ;
 1
 2
 3
 ---pagebreak---                                         - 15 -
Whereas the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member
                                                                                      4
States meeting within the Council , in their Resolution of 7 July 1986 on
the European Programme against cancer, retained the improvement of nutrition
as a priority ;
Whereas the knowledge of basic principles of nutrition and appropriate
nutrition labelling of foodstuffs would go a long way in enabling the
consumer to make this choice ;
Whereas the provision of nutrition labelling should stimulate                 v- ’ • •. •-!
more action in the area of nutrition education for the public ;
Whereas , for the benefit of the consumer on the one hand , and to avoid any
possible technical barriers to trade on the other, nutrition labelling
should be presented in a standardized format applying Community wide ;
Whereas foodstuffs bearing nutrition labelling should conform to the rules
laid down in this Directive ;
Whereas all other forms of nutrition labelling should be prohibited but
foodstuffs bearing no nutrition labelling should be able to circulate
freely ;
Whereas , to appeal to the average consumer and to serve the purpose for
which it is introduced, and given the currently-estimated low level of
knowledge on the subject of nutrition , the information provided should be
simple and easily understood ;
Whereas the rules laid down in this Directive should also take into account
the Codex Alimentarius Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling ;
Whereas general labelling provisions and definitions are contained in
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
4
  OJ No C 184, 23.7.1986, p. 19 .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 16 -
                                    1
for sale to the ultimate consumer , and therefore need not be repeated ;
whereas the present Directive can therefore be confined to those provisions
pertaining to nutrition labelling ,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE :
                                     Article 1
1.    This Directive concerns nutrition labelling of foodstuffs to be
delivered as such to the ultimate consumer .      It shall also apply to
foodstuffs intended for supply to restaurants , hospitals , canteens and
similar mass caterers .
2.    For the purposes of this Directive :
(a)   "Nutrition labelling" shall mean any information appearing in labelling
    , and relating to :
      (i)    energy;
      ( ii ) nutrients : protein, carbohydrate, fat , dietary fibre , vitamins ■
             and minerals .
(b)   " Nutrition claim" shall mean any representation which states , suggests
      or implies that a food has particular properties as to the energy it
      provides and /or the nutrient it contains .    However, quantitative or
      qualitative declaration of certain nutrients , if required by
      legislation, do not constitute a nutrition claim .
1 0J No 33, 8.2.1979, p. 1 .
 ---pagebreak--- Ce ) "Protein" shall mean the protein content calculated using the formula :
     Protein = Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen x 6.25 .
     However , a factor of 6.38 may be used if all the protein present is
     milk protein .
(d)  " Carbohydrate " shall mean any carbohydrate which is metabolized in man
     and includes sugar alcohols .
(e)  Sugars means all monosaccharides and disaccharides present in food but
     excludes sugar alcohols
( f) " Fat " shall mean total lipids and shall include phospholipids .
(g)  " Saturates" shall mean fatty acids , i.e. fatty acids without double
     bond .
(h)  " Monounsaturates " shall mean fatty acids with one cis double bond .
(i)  "Polyunsaturates" shall mean fatty acids with cis , cis-methylene
     interrupted double bonds .
(j ) " Dietary fibre " shall mean the material measured by the method of
     analysis to be determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in
     Article 6 .
( k) " Average value” shall mean the value of a nutrient which best
     represents the amount of the nutrient which a given food contains , and
     reflects allowances for seasonal variability, patterns of consumption
     and other factors which may cause the actual value to vary .
                                    Article 2
1.   Nutrition labelling shall be oorrpulsory when. a nutrition claim*1 is made in
labelling or advertising .
 ---pagebreak--- 2.    Nutrition labelling shall be optional in.-a±t other cases .
                                       Article 3
1.    When nutrition labelling is provided it shall consist of the following ,
in this order :
(a)   the energy value ;
(b)   the amounts of protein , carbohydrate , sugars , fat , dietary fibre and
sodium
2.    Nutrition labelling may also include the amounts of one or more of the
following :
starch ;
sugar alcohols ;
saturâtes ;
monounsaturates ;
polyunsaturates ;
any of the vitamins or minerals listed in the Annex and
present in significant amounts as defined in that Annex .
3.    The declaration of a nutrient listed in paragraph 2 for which a
nutrition claim i s made shatl be eeapufesery. In addition, when the amount of
polyunsaturates and / or monounsaturates is given , the amount of saturates
 shall also be given .                               -•                 ••
                                       Article 4
The energy value to be declared shall be calculated using the following
conversion factors :
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                  Ч
                                                                                 \ !•
                                        - 19 -
         Carbohydrates ( except sugar alcohols )      4   kcal /g - 17 kJ /g
         Sugar alcohols                               V kcal /g   - 10 kJ / g
         Protein                                      4   kcal /g - 17 kJ /g
         Fat                                          9   kcal /g - 37 kJ /g
         Alcohol ( Ethanol )                          7   kcal /g - 29 kJ / g
         Organic Acid                                 3   kcal /g - 13 kJ /g .
                                       Article 5
   1.    The declaration of the energy value and of the nutrient content shall
. be numerical .     The units to be used are the following :
         Energy - kJ and kcal
         Protein                      )
         Carbohydrate                 )
         Fat                          )   grams ( g )
         Dietary Fibre                )
         Sodium                       )
         Vitamins and Minerals        )   the units specified in the Annex .
   2.    Information shall be expressed per 100 g or per 100 ml, or per package
  where the package contains only a single portion of less than 100 g .       In
   addition, this information may be given per serving as quantified on the
   label or per portion , provided that the number of portions contained in the
   package is stated .
   3.    The amounts mentioned shall be those of the food as sold .      Where
   appropriate , information on a prepared basis may be given in addition ,
   providing sufficiently detailed specified preparation instructions are given
   and the information relates to the food as prepared for consumption .
   4.    Information on vitamins and minerals may in addition be epxressed as a
   percentage of the Recommended Daily Allowance ( RDA) given in the Annex per
   amounts as specified above .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                               /*/
                                      - 20 -
5.   Where starch and /or sugar alcohols is declared , this declaration shall
follow immediately the declaration of the carbohydrate and sugars content in
the following format , as the case may be :
     Carbohydrate . g, of which :
     Sugars .               9
     Polyols ....           9
     Starch .               g-
6.   Where the amount and /or type of fatty acids is declared , this
declaration shall follow immediately the declaration of the total fat in the
following format , as the case . may be :
     Fat .                  g, of which :
     Saturâtes .            g
     Monounsaturates        g
     Polyunsaturates        g-
7.   The figures declared shall be derived average values based on , as the
case may be :
(a)  the manufacturer 's analysis of the food; .
( b) calculation from knowledge of the actual or average values of the
     ingredients used ;
(c)  calculations from generally acceptable data .     .
8.   The information covered by this Directive shall appear all together in
one place in tabular form, if space permits , with the numbers aligned .
Where space does not permit , the linear form shall be used .
                                     Article 6
Where the procedure laid down in this Article is to be followed, the
Representative of the Commission shall submit to the Standing Committee a
draft of the measures to be taken . The Committee shall deliver its Opinion
on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according
to the urgency of the matter if necessary by taking a vote .
 ---pagebreak--- The Opinion shall be recoroed in the minutes ; in addition , each Member
States shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the
minutes .
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the
Committee . It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion
has been taken into account .
                                  Article 7
Member States shall take the necessary measures to comply with this
Directive . They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof . Those
measures shall be applied in such a way as to :
- permit trade in products complying with this Directive, by ...^;
- prohibit trade in products which do not comply with this Directive, with
  effect from ...^
                                  Article 8
This Directive is addressed to the Member States .
Done at                                For the Council
                                       The President
1
  18 months after the notification
2
  36 months after the notification
 ---pagebreak---                                                                         ANNEX
                 VITAMINS AND MINERALS WHICH MAY BE DECLARED
                AND THEIR RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCES ( RDAs )
Vitamin A ug                       1 000
Vitamin D ug                           5
Vitamin E ug                          10
Vitamin C ug                          60
Thiamin mg                             1.4
Riboflavin mg                          1.6
Niacin mg                             18
Vitamin B6 mg                          2
Folacin ug                           400
Vitamin B12 ug                         3
Biotin mg                              0.15
Pantothenic acid mg                    6
Calcium mg                           800
Phosphorus mg                        800
Iron mg                               12
Magnesium mg                         300
Zinc mg                               15
Iodine ug                            150
As a rule , 5% of the recommended intake specified in this Annex supplied by
100 g or 100 ml or per package if the package contains only a single portion
of less than 100 g should be taken into consideration in deciding what
constitutes a significant amount .
 ---pagebreak---                 Note on the Impact on compet I t Ion and employment
                       Proposais for Councll Directives on :
          ( a ) Introduction of compulsory nutrient labelling for foodstuffs
                 Intended for sale to the ultimate consumer .
          ( b ) Nutrition labelling rules for foodstuffs Intended for sale to
                 the ultimate consumer .
1. Principal Justification of the measures
   Consumer information on the nutritional content of foodstuffs and
   harmonization of legislation of Member States in view of the
   completion of the Internal market .
2. Enterprises concerned
   Food manufacturing , some food retailing and catering units .        The
   number of SMEs is estimated to be considerable , especially In the
   southern regions of the Community .         No precise figures can be given .
3. Obligations for enterprises
   Nutrition labelling should be provided for products which make a claim
   on their labelling .        The number of these products Is relatively
   small .       For all other products nutrition labelling Is voluntary .
   However , if it is given , it must be done according to the proposed
   rules .
4. Foreseeable effects on competition
   Given current attitudes of an Increasing number of consumers , products
   carrying nutrition labelling might have a competitive edge .         Certain
   food manufacturers and retailers In some Member States currently use
   the provision of nutrition information on the label as a promotional
   tool .      The provision of such information will have a certain
   financial cost in general and will pose some problems for small
   businesses which are not equipped with analytical facilities , because
   of their size or nature .        However , values derived from food
   composition tables on the basis of the recipe would be acceptable
   within a reasonable margin of error and their calculation for
   standardized products and for the majority of nutrients should not be
   ^ great problem .
 ---pagebreak--- Are there special measures for SME ?
No .
Have the social partners been consulted?