92003E0455

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0455/03

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 February 2003)

Subject: Food allergies and restaurant ingredients

With reference to my previous question E-2809/2(1) and the answer provided by Commissioner Byrne on 12 November 2002, I ask the Commission, who is the ultimate consumer of foodstuffs if it is not the restaurant's client, i.e. the person who eats the meal?

Could the Commission confirm the minimum size of print on food packaging with regard to ingredient labelling?

(1) OJ C 52 E, 6.3.2003, p. 218.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(18 March 2003)

Further to the answer given to the Honourable Member's Written Question E-2809/02, the Commission would point out that Directive 2000/13/EC(1) lists the particulars which must be shown on the labelling of foodstuffs intended for supply to end users, restaurants, hospitals, canteens and other similar mass caterers.

The labelling obligations therefore apply to foodstuffs purchased by restaurants for the preparation of dishes, but not to the actual dishes served in these restaurants.

The Directive in question does not specify the minimum size of print to be used on food packaging with regard to ingredient labelling, but Article 13 states that the particulars on labels must be marked in such a way as to be easily visible, clearly legible and indelible.

(1) Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs, OJ L 109, 6.5.2000.