The problem of counterfeit products needs to be taken very seriously into account

25.2.2016

Question for written answer E-001654-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Daniel Buda (PPE)

A scandal recently occurred regarding counterfeit products from the Lidl chain of shops relating to extra virgin olive oil from one of the largest oil producers in Italy. A similar problem has occurred in Romania linked to counterfeit honey which can be found at the Kaufland and Selgros supermarket chains. We feel that the labelling should be made to correspond to the product, for foods in particular, as this directly affects the health of consumers. What happens, for example, if the label does not indicate an ingredient which is found in the product and is then consumed by people who have allergic reactions? There are extremely serious complications which may occur as a result of this lack of regulation regarding the incorrect labelling or the intentional omission from the label of certain products, not to mention cases in which the packaging indicates one product, but inside the packaging you find something entirely different, as was the case with the honey from the Kaufland supermarket chain.

What tools does the Commission have to forbid these types of practices, which put citizens' health at risk, at an EU level?