Brussels, 07/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - New measures to protect and promote the image of European olive oil and improve information to consumers will be approved by the European Commission, following the non-opinion of the management committee on the common organisation of agricultural markets on Wednesday 7 February.
A raft of provisions complementing Regulation 2568/91 on the characteristics of olive oil and analysis methods produced a non-opinion (no qualified majority of member states for or against) during the management committee meeting. It will, therefore, be up to the Commission to take the final decision. The proposal will be submitted to the College of Commissioners for adoption by written procedure. After adoption, these new measures are expected to be applied from 1 January 2014.
The new rules aim to enhance olive oil quality control and sanctions, to prevent fraud and ensure minimum levels of control. Member states will have to communicate the results of these controls according to a harmonised method.
There was also an indicative vote on the draft proposal on marketing standards (Regulation 29/2012). This also resulted in a non-opinion. The regulation includes provisions to protect and inform consumers. Labelling must indicate more visibly and clearly the denomination and origin of the product. A special provision on olive oil for the hotel and catering industry has been introduced and provides for the use of oil bottles with a system preventing their re-use after the contents marked on the label have been used. The regulation will be notified to a “Technical barriers to trade” committee (TBC) at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This committee will have a 60-day deadline to submit any possible observations. A formal management committee vote will only take place at the end of this period.
The image of olive oil is a major advantage that needs to be protected, explained the Commission. This image is closely linked to quality. The European Union is the world's biggest producer, consumer and exporter of olive oil. The new measures are part of the olive oil sector action plan presented in June 2012 by Commissioner Dacian Ciolos. They aim to strengthen the position of the olive oil sector in the EU and on European and global markets. (LC/transl.fl)