91997E2204

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2204/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (25 June 1997)

Subject: Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Transparency of authorizations of novel food products

1. How will the requisite level of long-term public transparency and information be guaranteed?

2. Are the consumer organizations to be informed of all the products that have been authorized?

3. What guarantees are there that this information will be complete and up-to-date?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2192/97 and E-2204/97 (28 October 1997)

Without prejudice to the national provisions in this field, it is already stipulated - for example, in Article 5 of the Regulation quoted by the Honourable Member - that a summary of the notification should be published. The same applies to the decisions to be taken under Article 7(3) of the same Regulation.

These provisions should make it easier for a Member State to implement Article 12 of the Regulation, if necessary, in order to restrict or suspend trade in or use in its territory of a food or food ingredient which may endanger health.

Finally, without prejudice to Article 10 of the Regulation, the national provisions in this field or - if appropriate - Article 22 of Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )), Article 14 provides for a report by the Commission on the implementation of the Regulation and for the monitoring "of its impact on consumer information.¨