‘Greek yoghurt’ made in Romania
16.4.2019
Question for written answer E-001854-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Manolis Kefalogiannis (PPE)
According to a letter from the Greek Embassy in Bucharest dated 22 March 2019, as well as regular correspondence dating back to August 2018, at least seven companies who claim to produce ‘Greek’ or ‘Greek style’ yoghurt have been identified in Romania.
According to the Commission’s answer to my Question E-006874/2017, ‘the designation “Greek yoghurt” cannot be used to designate yoghurts produced outside Greece, as it is in general considered and understood as an indication of origin i.e. yoghurt originated from Greece.’
What is more, it is doubtful to what extent the production methods and ingredients these companies use actually meet the requirements to classify the end product as Greek yoghurt.
In light of this:
- 1.What action will the Commission take, as in the case of the Czech Republic, to prevent any misleading use of the ‘Greek yoghurt’ label for the product in question and clear up any resulting misapprehensions concerning its identity and country of origin?
- 2.What progress has it made in its negotiations with the Greek authorities to designate Greek yoghurt as a PGI product?