Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10914 – GENSTAR CAPITAL / GTCR / JSSI)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 420/01)

On 25 October 2022, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32022M10914. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Commission Communication

(2022/C 420/02)

The European Capital of Culture 2027 in Latvia is Liepaja.

Euro exchange rates (1)

31 October 2022

(2022/C 420/03)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	0,9914
JPY	Japanese yen	147,40
DKK	Danish krone	7,4444
GBP	Pound sterling	0,86115
SEK	Swedish krona	10,9010
CHF	Swiss franc	0,9925
ISK	Iceland króna	143,30
NOK	Norwegian krone	10,3028
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,488
HUF	Hungarian forint	409,65
PLN	Polish zloty	4,7085
RON	Romanian leu	4,9143
TRY	Turkish lira	18,4562
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5529
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,3553
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	7,7822
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7099
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,4038
KRW	South Korean won	1 416,12
ZAR	South African rand	18,1736
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,2380
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5310
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	15 489,55
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,6873
PHP	Philippine peso	57,800
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	37,748
BRL	Brazilian real	5,2694
MXN	Mexican peso	19,7122
INR	Indian rupee	82,1035

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

Euro exchange rates (1)

2 November 2022

(2022/C 420/04)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	0,9908
JPY	Japanese yen	145,75
DKK	Danish krone	7,4431
GBP	Pound sterling	0,86100
SEK	Swedish krona	10,9065
CHF	Swiss franc	0,9861
ISK	Iceland króna	143,70
NOK	Norwegian krone	10,2388
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,506
HUF	Hungarian forint	407,00
PLN	Polish zloty	4,7035
RON	Romanian leu	4,9120
TRY	Turkish lira	18,4488
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5426
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,3470
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	7,7774
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,6844
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,3983
KRW	South Korean won	1 402,01
ZAR	South African rand	17,9608
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,2156
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5335
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	15 492,57
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,6944
PHP	Philippine peso	57,841
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	37,314
BRL	Brazilian real	5,0964
MXN	Mexican peso	19,4921
INR	Indian rupee	81,9920

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (1))

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 420/05)

Decision granting an authorisation

Reference of the decision (2)	Date of decision	Substance name	Holder(s) of the authorisation	Authorisation number	Authorised use	Date of expiry of review period	Reasons for the decision
C(2022) 7525	26 October 2022	4-(1,1,3,3-Tetra methylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated (4-tert-OPnEO) EC No: -, CAS No:- 4-Nonylphenol, branched and linear, ethoxylated (4-NPnEO) EC No: -, CAS No:-	Idexx Montpellier SAS, 326, rue de la Galera, 34090, Montpellier, France	REACH/22/43/0	4-tert-OPnEO as detergent in the technical manufacturing of in vitro diagnostic veterinary ELISA Plate tests (plate coating) to prevent the non-specific binding of unwanted macromolecules	4 January 2033	In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health and the environment from the uses of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies.
				REACH/22/43/1	Formulation of 4-tert-OPnEO in the manufacture of sample diluents and standard solutions used in in vitro diagnostic veterinary ELISA Plate tests used for the detection of infectious diseases in livestock and poultry
			Idexx Montpellier SAS	REACH/22/43/2	4-tert-OPnEO in in vitro diagnostic veterinary products (SNAP tests and ELISA Plate tests) as an ingredient in the wash solutions, sample diluents, control solutions, conjugate solutions, SNAP wash solutions, tissue soaking buffers and detection solutions
			Idexx B.V., Scorpius 60 Building F, 2132 LR Hoofddorp, Netherlands	REACH/22/43/3
			Idexx Montpellier SAS	REACH/22/43/4	4-NPnEO in in vitro diagnostic veterinary products (SNAP tests and ELISA Plate tests) as an ingredient in the wash solutions, sample diluents, control solutions, conjugate solutions, SNAP wash solutions, tissue soaking buffers and detection solutions
			Idexx B.V.	REACH/22/43/5

---

(1)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  The decision is available on the European Commission website at: Authorisation (europa.eu).

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (1))

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 420/06)

Decision granting an authorisation

Reference of the decision (2)	Date of decision	Substance name	Holder(s) of the authorisation	Authorisation number	Authorised use	Date of expiry of review period	Reasons for the decision
C(2022) 7512	27 October 2022	4-(1,1,3,3-Tetra methylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated (4-tert-OPnEO) EC No: -, CAS No:-	Zoetis Belgium S.A., Rue Laid Burniat 1, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium	REACH/22/41/0	Industrial use as a surfactant in a lysis buffer for the release of proteins and antigens from biological material used in the manufacture of three SERELISA veterinary in vitro diagnostic devices for detecting infectious disease in farm animals	4 January 2031	In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health and the environment from the uses of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies.
			Delpharm Biotech, 2 Rue Alexander Fleming, 69366 Lyon, France	REACH/22/41/1
			Zoetis Belgium S.A.	REACH/22/41/2	Industrial use in formulation of kits, kit reagents and buffer solutions in two WITNESS and three SERELISA veterinary in vitro diagnostic devices used for detecting certain diseases in pets and farm animals
			Delpharm Biotech	REACH/22/41/3
			Zoetis Belgium S.A.	REACH/22/41/4	Professional use as a surfactant in kits, kit reagents and buffer solutions in 18 veterinary in vitro diagnostic devices including one SERELISA, six ProFLOK, six WITNESS and five VetScan, in diagnostic laboratories and veterinary clinics for detecting certain diseases in pets and farm animals	4 January 2033
				REACH/22/41/5	Industrial use as a viral inactivating agent in the manufacture of two veterinary biologic drugs for treatment of osteoarthritis in cats and dogs

---

(1)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  The decision is available on the European Commission website at: Authorisation (europa.eu).

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2022/C 420/07)

In accordance with Article 35(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Union control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy (1), a decision has been taken to close the fishery as set down in the following table:

Date and time of closure	31.7.2022
Duration	31.7.2022 – 31.12.2022
Member State	Italy
Fishing effort group code	EFF2/MED2_TR4
Stock group	Giant red shrimp in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11
Type(s) of fishing vessels	Vessels with overall length ≥ 24 m
Reference number	08/TQ110

---

(1)  OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

Publication of the amended single document following the approval of a minor amendment pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

(2022/C 420/08)

The European Commission has approved this minor amendment in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 6(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).

The application for approval of this minor amendment can be consulted in the Commission’s eAmbrosia database.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Queso Manchego’

EU No: PDO-ES-0087-AM03 – 25.2.2022

PDO (x) PGI ( )

1.   Name

‘Queso Manchego’

2.   Member state or third country

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.    Type of product

Class 1.3. Cheeses

3.2.    Description of product to which the name in (1) applies

Pressed cheese made from milk of ewes of the ‘Manchega’ breed, aged for a minimum of 30 days for cheeses weighing up to 1,5 kg and from 60 days up to a maximum of 2 years for larger cheeses.

‘Queso Manchego’ can be made with either pasteurised or raw milk. In the latter case, the label may bear the word ‘Artesano’.

‘Queso Manchego’ is a pressed cheese with the following physical properties after ageing:

—	shape: cylindrical with smooth sides,

—	maximum height: 12 cm,

—	maximum diameter: 22 cm,

—	diameter/height ratio: between 1,5 and 2,2,

—	minimum weight: 0,4 kg,

—	maximum weight: 4,0 kg.

The physico-chemical properties of the cheese are:

—	pH: 4,8 to 5,8,

—	dry matter: minimum 55 %,

—	fat content: minimum 50 % of dry matter,

—	total protein in dry matter: minimum 30 %,

—	sodium chloride: maximum 2,3 %,

—	no milk from other animal species.

Characteristics of the paste:

—	consistency: firm and compact,

—	colour: from white to ivory-yellow,

—	aroma: lactic, intensely acidic and persistent, developing spicy notes and long overall persistence in cheeses that have been well aged,

—	flavour: slightly acidic, strong and flavoursome, becoming spicy in cheeses that have been well aged. Pleasant and distinctive aftertaste produced by the milk of ewes of the ‘Manchega’ breed,

—	appearance: small, unevenly distributed eyes, although these are sometimes not present,

—	texture: low elasticity, buttery, slightly floury; can become granular in very well aged cheeses.

The microbiological limits are as follows:

—	beta-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli: maximum of 1 000 CFU/g,

—	coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus: maximum of 100 CFU/g,

—	Salmonella: absence in 25 grams,

—	Listeria monocytogenes: absence in 25 grams.

Slightly acidic, strong and flavoursome, with the flavour becoming spicy in cheeses that have been well aged. Pleasant and distinctive aftertaste produced by the milk of ewes of the ‘Manchega’ breed.

‘Queso Manchego’ may be packaged for marketing in the following forms:

—	in portions,

—

grated,

—

sliced.

When intended for sale in sliced or grated format, ‘Queso Manchego’ may be produced as a parallelepiped measuring 20-45 cm long by 8-12 cm wide, with sides 8-12 cm high, provided that the weight of the block does not exceed 4 kg.

3.3.    Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

3.3.1.   Feed (for products of animal origin only)

Manchega sheep graze throughout the year on the natural resources of the area. When in the fold, their diet is supplemented with concentrated feed, hay and by-products.

As regards sheep farming, mention should be made of the pastures that occupy the clearings in the scrub. This annual pasture is composed of Medicago minima, Scorpiurus subvillosus, Astrafalus stella, Astrafalus sesamus, etc.

The so-called ‘madajales’ are the most valuable pasture for sheep. These are composed of bulbous meadow grass and significant quantities of legumes, such as Medicago rigidula, Medicago lupulina, Medicago trunculata, Trigonella polyceratia, Coronilla scorpioides, etc.

Deep, cooler soils can produce ‘fenelares’, dense pasture with a predominance of perennial and biennial plants, the appearance of which is dominated by the grass Brachypodium phoenicoides.

3.3.2.   Raw materials (for processed products only)

‘Queso Manchego’ cheese is made from milk of ewes of the ‘Manchega’ breed, natural rennet or other authorised coagulation enzymes, and sodium chloride. The milk must not contain any medicinal products that may have a negative impact on production, maturation and preservation of the cheese. ‘Queso Manchego’ can be made with either pasteurised or raw milk. In the latter case, the label may bear the word ‘Artesano’.

The analytical characteristics of the cheese are as follows:

—	fat content: 6,5 % minimum,

—	proteins: 4,5 % minimum,

—	useable dry matter: 11 % minimum,

—	pH: 6,5-7,

—	freezing point: ≤ –0,550 oC.

3.4.    Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area

—

3.5.    Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product to which the registered name refers

Cheeses protected by the ‘Queso Manchego’ designation of origin may be dispatched and placed into circulation by dairies and registered undertakings only in packaging of a type that does not affect their quality.

‘Queso Manchego’ is always marketed with the rind, which may have been washed.

‘Queso Manchego’ may also be coated in paraffin, covered with legally authorised transparent substances or coated in olive oil, provided that the rind maintains its natural colour and appearance and the casein label can be read.

Under no circumstances may substances be used that turn the rind black.

‘Queso Manchego’ may be marketed in portions, sliced or grated, provided that it is packaged and its origin can be identified. This operation may be carried out outside the area of origin by undertakings that have accepted and comply with the agreed protocol so as to guarantee the operations undergone by ‘Queso Manchego’ and ensure its traceability.

Packaging must comply with current legislation.

3.6.    Specific rules concerning labelling of the product to which the registered name refers

Labels must bear the following wording: ‘Denominación de Origen “Queso Manchego”’ (‘Queso Manchego’ designation of origin). When the cheese is made with raw milk, this can be indicated on the label by means of the word ‘Artesano’. Similarly, if the cheese is made in a cheese dairy owned by the same operator as the livestock farm that produces the raw material, and the cheese dairy exclusively processes milk from this livestock farm, the label may bear the words ‘queso de granja’ (farmhouse cheese).

The marketed product bears a numbered secondary label issued by the Regulatory Board and affixed in registered undertakings in such a way that it cannot be reused and every piece of ‘Queso Manchego’ has on one of its faces a casein label with a serial number, affixed at the moulding and pressing stage.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The following local authority areas are covered by the ‘Queso Manchego’ designation of origin: 45 in the Province of Albacete, 84 in the Province of Ciudad Real, 156 in the Province of Cuenca and 122 in the Province of Toledo.

The following areas have been incorporated: Alcoba de los Montes and El Robledo in the Province of Ciudad Real, Albadalejo del Cuende, Villarejo de la Peñuela, Villarejo-Sobrehuerta and Villar del Horno in the Province of Cuenca.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The geographical area of La Mancha is located in the southern part of the central plateau of the peninsula and is characterised by a low relief descending to the Atlantic.

La Mancha is a high plain with lime-clay soils and its pastureland has lime- and loam-rich substrates.

The area has an extreme climate and experiences wide variations characteristic of a continental climate, with very cold winters and hot summers. The temperature occasionally reaches 40 °C, sometimes varying by 20 °C over the course of a day and 50 oC over the year. Precipitation is scant, making the region one of the more arid areas of Spain, its extremely dry environment having a relative humidity of around 65 %.

The Manchega breed is the best adapted to the area’s soil and weather conditions.

A pressed cheese with a hard rind and a firm and compact paste, a colour that varies from white to ivory-yellow, an intense and persistent aroma, a slightly acidic, strong and flavoursome taste and a buttery, slightly floury texture with low elasticity.

The area’s soil and climatic conditions have had a great influence on the processes of natural selection that have made the Manchega breed of sheep the breed best adapted to the area and producing a milk that gives ‘Queso Manchego’ its characteristic colour, aroma, flavour and texture.

Cheese has been made with milk from ewes of the Manchega breed since time immemorial and over the centuries manufacturing techniques have aimed to optimise the qualities of this traditional La Mancha cheese.

Reference to publication of the product specification

http://pagina.jccm.es/agricul/paginas/comercial-industrial/consejos_new/pliegos/Pliego_Condiciones_CC_20201007.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.