Use of scientific names in labelling of fishery and aquaculture products for sale to final consumers and mass caterers

24.2.2015

Question for written answer E-002791-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Liisa Jaakonsaari (S&D)

Consumers and businesses were puzzled by a regulation which entered into force in December 2014, requiring fish offered for sale to bear a label indicating the catch method and the Latin name. Thus pike also has to be labelled in Latin as Esox lucius and vendace as Coregonus albula.

Referring to EU rules (Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 and Regulation (EC) No 2065/2001) under which, in addition to the commercial designation of the species, fishery and aquaculture products for sale to final consumers and mass caterers must bear an indication of the scientific name and catch method, I have the following questions:

Why did the Commission consider that a regulation on labelling with the scientific name would benefit final consumers of these products? Is the regulation in line with the ‘Refit’ initiative aiming at simplifying legislation?