Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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Council Minutes, 17 July 2017
The following is an extract from the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on the 17-18 July 2017:
The Czech delegation presented to ministers the results of the latest scientific study carried out by the University of Chemistry and Technology of Prague and comparing identical foodstuffs sold in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Austria and Slovakia.
Furthermore, at the request of the Slovak delegation, the Council was briefed on the outcome of the Bratislava event, the objective of which was to support an effective exchange of information and to strengthen cooperation among the participating member states (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia). The meeting also served as a platform for present results of recent comparative studies of quality of food products and to analyse the legal and ethical implications of the dual quality practice on the internal market and consumers.
The Commission shared delegations' assessment of the seriousness of the issue and restated its commitment to fight against unfair commercial practices. It said it would engage the consumer protection network and enhance synergies with the High level group on the Food supply chain. However, it considered that for the time being there was no need for further legislation.
The issue of dual quality of foodstuffs had already been discussed in Council in May 2016 and March 2017.
