Appropriate regulatory framework for the specialised nutrition sector

19.10.2015

Question for written answer E-013925-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Dominique Riquet (ALDE)

Under Articles 12 and 13 of Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, the Commission is required to present two reports to Parliament and the Council on the necessity of adopting specific legislative measures for ‘growing up milks’ and food intended for sportspeople. The delay in publishing those reports, originally planned for 20 July 2015, and the expiry of the current regulation on 20 July 2016, means the deadlines are extremely short, which is creating serious legal uncertainty for the sector concerned.

Specific legislation is needed for these types of product because the general rules cannot guarantee optimum safety levels (restrictions on the use of additives, pesticides, preservatives and colourings, guaranteed free of doping agents).

— In the absence of specific rules, has the Commission considered the risks of falling investment in R&D, which should be increasing each year to meet consumers’ nutritional requirements?

— Without EU-wide harmonisation, will the proliferation of national systems not create an obstacle to the free movement of goods and generate unfair competition from products imported from third countries through other channels?

— Does the Commission plan to introduce special legislative measures or allow a sufficient transition period to mitigate the delay and enable companies to maintain their innovation efforts?