EU: Common Position On Food Labelling

On 13 March the Council of Ministers responsible for the Internal Market achieved a Common Position on a modification of rules on the labelling, presentation and advertising of dietary foodstuffs (Directive 89/398/EEC). A compromise proposal from the Dutch Presidency was supported by all except the UK representative. The proposal included foods aimed at sportsmen and women, and rejected a suggestion by the Commission to include foods for diabetics. The Commission had also opposed the need for a directive on foodstuffs aimed at athletes.

The agreement provides for the adoption of five separate Directives for five types of specialist dietary foods:

• infant formula and follow-on foodstuffs
• cereal-based and baby food
• food for weight-controlled diets
• food prescribed for medicinal purposes
• food for athletes

The Commission is to be asked to draw up a report on the need for specific regulations concerning diabetics; a period of three years is to be allowed for the necessary consultations with expert bodies before any decision is taken whether or not to elaborate a special Directive for diabetic foods.