Brussels, 05/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - In an interview with Euractiv on 5 March, the commissioner for health and consumer affairs provided assurances to European tobacco producers who were concerned by the Commission's determination to ban certain flavours and additives in tobacco products under the new directive. The commissioner indicated that “characterising flavours in tobacco products will be prohibited, but not all flavours or additives will be prohibited. So the fear that certain tobacco would be prohibited because you cannot add to them is not correct”. Tonio Borg was speaking particularly to Burley tobacco producers whose business interests are based in Romania, Bulgaria and Portugal. These producers are afraid that the ban on adding sugars and flavours to their products could lead to significant cuts in profits, to the benefit of their competitor, Virginia Tobacco, which does not lose sugar during the drying process, and therefore requires fewer additives. Commissioner Borg explained that “the definitions of [additives] will be determined by experts appointed within the individual member states, and supervised by the Commission. There we can find compromises so long as there is a basic understanding that tobacco should look and taste like tobacco”.
The Irish Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers has already organised three working meetings on the tobacco directive. The issues of flavourings, health warnings and long cigarettes have been tackled. The next meeting will take place on 12 March and is expected to address other provisions, such as snuff and new tobacco products. The European Parliament also began its work with a public hearing organised on 25 February last, which revealed a difference of views among MEPs (see EUROPE 10793). The report by Linda McAvan (S&D, United Kingdom) is expected out this March. (IL/transl.fl)