Council Directive 79/581/EEC of 19 June 1979 on consumer protection in the indication of the prices of foodstuffs

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE  of 19 June 1979  on consumer protection in the indication of the prices of foodstuffs  (79/581/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
Whereas the preliminary programme of the European Economic Community for a consumer protection and information policy (4) provides for the establishment of common principles for indicating prices;
Whereas the indication of the selling price and the unit of foodstuffs will make it easier for consumers to compare prices at the place of sale ; whereas this would thereby increase market transparency and ensure greater protection for consumers;
Whereas the obligation to indicate these prices must apply in principle to all foodstuffs offered to the final consumer, irrespective of whether they are marketed in bulk or in pre-packaged form ; whereas this obligation must also apply to written or printed advertising and to catalogues wherever these mention the selling price of foodstuffs;
Whereas the selling price and the unit price must be indicated in accordance with the specific procedures for each category of foodstuffs, so as not to place an undue burden on the retailer as regards labelling;
Whereas the obligation to indicate the unit price should be waived for foodstuffs sold in bulk or prepackaged for which such indication would be meaningless;
Whereas the obligation to indicate the unit price should, wherever possible, be replaced by standardization of quantities of pre-packaged foodstuffs ; whereas, in order to enable standardization to progress at national and Community level, provision should be made for a delay in the application of this obligation to pre-packaged foodstuffs in pre-established quantities;
Whereas the rules laid down in this Directive are needed for the purposes of consumer information and protection and further the attainment of one of the objectives of the Community by contributing to the improvement of living conditions and the harmonious development of economic activities throughout the Community ; whereas the Treaty has not provided the necessary powers,