Register of convicted food fraudsters

22.1.2015

Question for written answer E-000845-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Esther de Lange (PPE)

Food fraud is a cross-border problem, as evidenced by the various scandals in this connection over recent years involving offenders operating in various Member States. In its resolution of 14 January 2014, the European Parliament referred to the food crisis, fraud in the food chain and the control thereof[1] and the importance of exchanging information between Member States, calling on the Commission and the Member States to consider methods aiming to prevent and discourage food fraud including, such as naming and shaming through a European register of convicted fraudulent food business operators.

The food fraud network enables information to be exchanged by Member States. The Commission is also working on an electronic information system for the prompt exchange of information regarding possible fraud along the lines of the rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF). However, a register of convicted food fraudsters has not yet been introduced, although it is being called for by both Parliament and various Member States. Without such a register, inspectors cannot be alerted to any convicted fraudsters crossing the border into entering their Member States.

1. What progress has been made towards the establishment of a register of convicted food fraudsters?

2. How likely does the Commission consider the launching of such an initiative in the near future?

3. Can the Commission say what needs to happen for such a register to be introduced?

• [1] Texts adopted P7_TA(2014)0011.