92000E4155

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4155/00

by Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: Marketing of smelt, implementation of EU hygiene regulation

Under the EU hygiene regulation, smelt more than 15 cm in length may only be sold gutted. This has caused sales of this small relative of salmon to come to a virtual standstill, as prices for gutted smelt are so high because of the labour costs involved that the product is virtually unsaleable on the market.

1. Is the Commission aware that smelt is a national dish on the coast and that basically everyone therefore knows that the fish have to be gutted and salted before being eaten?

2. Is the Commission aware of the fact that in German ports, as a result of the strict interpretation of the provisions, smelt have become virtually unsaleable and the livelihoods of specialised fishermen are consequently threatened?

3. Is the Commission aware of the fact that the regulation is being implemented less strictly in other European ports? What is its view of the resulting distortion of competition?

4. Are there proposals to preserve the livelihoods of the fishing businesses and downstream distribution chains affected?

5. Are there proposals to compensate the fishing businesses and downstream distribution chains affected?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2001)

The main provision concerning gutting of fish in Community legislation is contained in Council Directive 91/493/EEC(1). Article 3.2 of this Directive requires Where gutting is possible from a technical and commercial viewpoint, it must be carried out as quickly as possible after the products have been caught or landed.

The requirements referred to by the Honourable Member are not contained in Community legislation.

(1) Council Directive 91/493/EEC of 22 July 1991 laying down the health conditions for the production and the placing on the market of fishery products (OJ L 268, 24.9.1991).