EEC: Council Directive on the approximation of the rules of the Member States concerning the colouring matters authorized for use in foodstuffs intended for human consumption

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE on the approximation of the rules of the Member States concerning the colouring matters authorised for use in foodstuffs intended for human consumption
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Articles 100 and 227 (2) thereof;
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament;
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee;
Whereas all rules relating to the colouring matters which may be used in foodstuffs intended for human consumption must give priority to the protection of public health, but the protection of the consumer against falsification and the needs of the economy must also be taken into consideration;
Whereas differences between national rules concerning these colouring matters hinder the free movement of foodstuffs and may create conditions of unfair competition, thereby directly affecting the establishment or functioning of the common market;
Whereas the approximation of these rules is necessary for the free movement of foodstuffs;
Whereas the harmonisation of such rules must involve, as a first stage, the establishment of a single list of colouring matters whose use is authorised for colouring foodstuffs and the laying down of criteria of purity which those colouring matters must satisfy, while, during a second stage, the Council is to take decisions on the harmonisation of the conditions governing the colouring of foodstuffs;
Whereas, in order to take the economic needs of certain States into account, a period should be set during which such Member States may, in respect of certain colouring matters, retain their existing rules, it being understood that during that period the Council may, in the light of any scientific research carried out, take decisions as to the authorisation of such colouring matters;