91999E0297

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0297/99

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(17 February 1999)

Subject: Special diet foods

The use of foods designed for low-calorie diets for weight reduction is widespread and, therefore, requires particular attention in order to protect consumer health. Moreover, because of the nature and purpose of these special diet foods, the Commission has laid down standards in respect of their composition and labelling in Directive 96/8(1) of 26 February 1996.

Has Greece notified the Commission of the necessary legislative, regulatory and administrative provisions it has adopted to comply with the above directive and, if so, when? What measures will the Commission take if the Greek authorities prove not to have duly implemented those provisions?

(1) OJ L 55, 6.3.1996, p. 22.

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0296/99 and E-0297/99 given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(9 April 1999)

The Greek authorities have informed the Commission of the adoption of national measures to implement these three directives on the foodstuffs sector intended for particular nutritional uses.

Commission Directive 96/4/EC, Euratom of 16 February 1996, amending Directive 91/321/EEC on infant formulae and follow-on formulae(1), has been transposed by Ministerial Decree, as adopted on 12 November 1997 and published on 25 November 1997.

Commission Directive 96/5/EC, Euratom of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children(2), has been transposed by Ministerial Decree, as adopted on 12 November 1997 and published on 25 November 1997.

Commission Directive 96/8/EC of 26 February 1996 on foods intended for use in energy-restricted diets for weight reduction(3), has been trnsposed by Ministerial Decree, as adopted on 15 October 1997 and published on 13 March 1998.

After an initial examination of the different texts, the Commission believes the Greek authorities have implemented the directives in question in a satisfactory manner.

(1) OJ L 49, 28.2.1996.

(2) OJ L 49, 28.2.1996.

(3) OJ L 55, 6.3.1996.