The European Commission published guidance on Friday 2 February to help member states address the issue of dual quality foods.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia have complained for several months about foodstuffs being sold under the same brand name but with differing compositions between member states. Studies conducted by the Commission show that adapting the composition of products according to the countries where they are to be sold is common practice. “Having two different products sold in the same packaging and with the same name is a misleading practice and unfair to consumers”, stated European Consumers Commissioner Vera Jourová.
The guidance published by the Commission provides clarification for national consumer and food authorities on how to determine whether producers are breaking the rules. The food information regulation for consumers requires that consumers be given sufficient and truthful information about each particular food product. Food labels must, for example, list all the ingredients contained in the product. The unfair commercial practices directive prohibits the marketing of identically branded products in a way that could potentially mislead consumers.
In September 2017, the Commission announced funding of €1 million for its Joint Research Centre to develop a methodology to improve food product comparative tests so that member states can discuss this issue on a sound and shared scientific basis that is the same for all.
In addition, the Commission has opened a dialogue with producers and brand associations, who have committed to developing a code of conduct for this autumn.
On 13 October, the Commission will take part in the Consumer Summit, a high-level ministerial meeting on dual food quality organised in Bratislava by the Slovak and Czech governments. (Original version in French)