Commission Directive 96/4/EC, Euratom of 16 February 1996 amending Directive 91/321/EEC on infant formulae and follow-on formulae (Text with EEA relevance)

COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/4/EC of 16 February 1996 amending Directive 91/321/EEC on infant formulae and follow-on formulae (Text with EEA relevance)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 89/398/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to foodstuffs for particular nutritional uses (1), and in particular Article 4 thereof,
Whereas given the nature of infant formulae and follow-on formulae the detailed rules as to nutrient declaration on the labelling need to be clarified in order to avoid any problems which may arise from the application of other relevant Community legislation;
Whereas new scientific data justify certain modifications to the mandatory essential composition of infant formulae and follow-on formulae specified in Annexes I and II to Commission Directive 91/321/EEC (2), as amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden;
Whereas nucleotides, being the natural constituents of human milk, have been used to supplement infant formulae and follow-on formulae for many years in Member States and third countries without any negative effects; whereas therefore there is no justification for prohibiting their use in the manufacture of these products;
Whereas technological progress has resulted in the production of infant formulae, based on protein partial hydrolysates, which due to their low levels of immunoreactive proteins may be useful; whereas for this reason a claim as to these particular characteristics should be permitted; whereas these products are distinct from semi-elemental diet products based on high degree hydrolysates used for the dietary management of diagnosed medical conditions, which are not covered by this Directive;
Whereas Directive 91/321/EEC should be amended accordingly;
Whereas the Scientific Committee for Food, in accordance with Article 4 of Directive 89/398/EEC, has been consulted on the provisions liable to affect public health;
Whereas the measures provided in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Foodstuffs,