Alexander Bernhuber (EPP, Austrian), rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment on the revision of the so-called ‘breakfast’ directives, is proposing a more ambitious approach to honey labelling than the European Commission, he said on Wednesday 20 September.
He proposes that the countries of origin be listed on the packaging, in descending order, indicating their respective share as a percentage of weight. With regard to small packs containing only a single portion of honey (breakfast packs) and the resulting technical difficulties, it suggests applying a simplified range of percentages and using the internationally harmonised two-digit ISO country codes.
Speaking in front of the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Mr Bernhuber defended a fair honey labelling. It is estimated that 40% of the honey consumed in the EU is imported, particularly from China, Brazil and Australia, where product adulteration practices exist (see EUROPE 13251/18).
He stressed the need for precise labelling, for example 80% from China, 20% from Belgium.
With regard to jams, the rapporteur advocated the possibility of regional labelling. In addition, he is defending “a happy medium” in terms of the proportion of fruit, i.e. minimum quantities of fruit to be used in the manufacture of jams and jellies that are “slightly lower” than those proposed by the Commission.
With regard to reduced-sugar juices, the rapporteur supports the aim of harmonising the internal market, but suggests that any misleading information should be avoided, such as claims and comparisons with natural fruit juices suggesting that products containing less natural sugar would be better for your health.
The rapporteur will soon receive the amendments to his draft report and is hoping that an interinstitutional agreement can be reached on this issue before the end of the legislature.
Link to the draft report: https://aeur.eu/f/8ox (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)