1. Labelling Presentation to be delivered by CIAA
At the Dutch Presidency Conference
‘SIMPLER IS BETTER’
Amsterdam, 7 – 8 October 2004

2. CIAA Role and Mission
Represents the interests of the food and drink industries producing in the EU
Contributes to the creation of the most favourable economic and legislative environment possible for the development of the food and drink industry
Promotes the image of a dynamic and responsible industry
The voice of the European food and drink industry

3. Where to find more information about CIAA
CIAA Public Website
Access to news and positions

4. Labelling CHALLENGES More complex supply and production
Wider range of manufactured/more elaborated food products
Increased level of consumer protection
More complex market networks (multilingual labels)
Increasing consumer ‘want to know’ -s

5. Labelling ‘Good Regulatory Practices’
Legislation should be clear, proportionate and non discriminatory
Business Impact Assessment
Regulatory Impact Assessment
Consumer surveys

6. Views of Industry – Labelling Content of the Presentation
Challenge: Complicated/Unclear Labels
Meeting consumer information needs
CIAA Memorandum on Labelling
History of EU Labelling legislation
Changes of Labelling regime
More changes imply more burdens

7. Views of Industry – Labelling Content of the Presentation (2)
Legislation difficult to apply – Multiple requirements – Multiple legislative texts
Industry had to develop Guidelines (QUID, GM, Allergen)
White Paper on Food Safety: modernisation, simplification
Food Labelling Legislation Evaluation
CIAA objectives:
Simplification
Consumer understanding
Clarity
Trade

8. Views of Industry – Labelling Content of the Presentation (3)
Conclusions from the Evaluation Report
Extension of scope,
Extension of requirements
National initiatives on Better Regulation
UK FSA ‘Clear Labelling’ Task Force
Several interesting recommendations
Dutch Presidency Initiative
Sweden?? ??

9. Views of Industry – Labelling Content of the Presentation (4)
CIAA Initiative: « Consumer Information in the EU ‘Preparing for the 21st Century’ »
Essential information on the label
Other means of information, other vehicles for information of target groups
Practical improvements: adequate implementation periods, one calendar day for implementation

10. Views of Industry – Labelling Content of the Presentation (5)
Criteria for ‘essential’ information
Labelling intended for the majority of consumers
Science-based (established health risk)
Space on the pack (small packs, multilingual labels)
‘Consumer needs’ to be defined
Essential product information (eg name, ingredients)
Safety-based (datemark/storage/preparation)
Quantity

11. Views of Industry – Labelling Content of the Presentation (6)
Process needs to be started
Involving stakeholders with authorities
Will take time, not easy
Time/future will offer more alternatives to labelling and reduce dependency on classical labelling obligations
Get it right for another 20+ years
Food & drink Industry ready to participate