Brussels, 06/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - Future European rules to improve consumer information on foodstuffs so that shoppers can make better informed, healthier choices have moved a step closer after successfully negotiating their second reading in the European Parliament (EP). In following the recommendation of rapporteur Renate Sommer (EPP, Germany) in Strasbourg on Tuesday 5 July, the EP confirmed the preliminary agreement reached with the Council on 15 June on the final matters of concern: trans fats, country of origin, meat from ritually slaughter animals, alcoholic drinks and alcopops (see EUROPE 10398).
The text endorsed by MEPs introduces, for the first time, a compulsory nutritional statement on calorie, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar and salt levels, ensuring that they are easy for consumers to read and strengthens provisions aiming to prevent misleading practices. It also contains further requirements on, for example, allergenic substances. New rules on the labelling of meat will mean that consumers will know the origin of fresh meat from pigs, sheep, goat and poultry. It will be for the Commission to prepare specific rules on the compulsory labelling of the origin of meat and to clarify how the new rules on the optional labelling of origin will apply. Manufactured nanomaterials will also have to be listed among the ingredients. The Council now has to formally approve the agreement so that the regulation can be adopted. (A.N./transl.rt)