91997E3814

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3814/97 by Peter Crampton (PSE) to the Commission (28 November 1997)

Subject: Food labelling - peanut derivatives

People suffering from an allergy to peanuts can unknowingly eat foods containing peanut derivatives. This is due to unclear labelling of these foods, which in some cases can lead to a life-threatening situation.

Are there European level rules for the labelling of foods containing peanut derivatives?

If not, does the Commission have any plans for proposals to introduce clear labelling of these foods?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (15 January 1998)

The Commission is actively considering the need for amendments to the Community rules on food labelling in order to ensure that consumers are properly informed of the presence of potential allergens in foods, including peanuts and peanut oil.

At the request of the Commission, in September 1995, the scientific committee for food has produced a report on food allergy and food intolerance. The conclusions of this report are currently being discussed with the Member States. In addition, discussions on the labelling of allergens are taking place at international level within the framework of the Codex Alimentarius.

This work will be supplemented, within the framework of scientific cooperation between Member States and Commission, by a collection of the epidemiologic data available (geographical variations and frequency and gravity of over-sensitiveness). This is indeed necessary to determine criteria for the establishment of a list of ingredients recognised as a source of allergy or of intolerance which, if they are used in a foodstuff, should mandatorily be introduced in the list of ingredients which appear on labelling.

On the basis of the results of this epidemiologic examination which should be known in June 1998, the Commission could then be in a position to propose an amendment of Directive 79/112/EEC of 18 December 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer ((OJ L 33, 8.2.1979. )).