91999E1712

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1712/99

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 September 1999)

Subject: Rules on egg collection

In northern Sweden, the distances between producers and the central depot where the eggs are quality-controlled and packed are extreme. Before accession to the EU, the eggs were collected once a week and

could still be dated 25 days ahead. This system never created any problems, particularly as the eggs were kept in cold storage throughout. Since accession, this system has been changed and the eggs have to be collected twice a week in order to be dated 25 days ahead. Can the Commission envisage allowing an exception to this rule in view of the great distances involved?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 1999)

The Commission has already provided for an exception to the general rule for collecting eggs for Sweden and Finland as requested by the Honourable Member. By Commission Regulation (EC) No 505/98 of 3 March 1998 amending Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 introducing detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 on certain marketing standards for eggs(1), the following provision was added to Article 1(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 of 15 May 1991(2) on the common marketing standards for eggs:

However, in Finland and Sweden delivery or collection from producers to packing centres or to the industry may take place once a week only in those cases where the temperature at which eggs are kept at the farm in artificially maintained below 14°C.

(1) OJ L 63, 4.3.1998.

(2) OJ L 121, 16.5.1991.