Policy
Anti-European agendas must not dominate food policy
The German food sector's expectation of the EU Institutions from 2019 to 2024
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Example: Alleged dual quality standards
Under the leadership of the four Visegrad states, the subject of “dual food qualities” was the symbol of anti-European policy in the last legislative period, without even demonstrating that the alleged dual quality standards between East and West exist. At the end of the legislative period, the report of the Joint Research Centre refuted the allegation of a qualitative “East-West divide” in foodstuffs in Europe – while the legislation to correct the problem had already been adopted. That is the opposite of “Better legislation” as we understand it.
There are and have always been differences in recipes within Europe, but this has nothing to do with different qualities in the sense of good and bad or safe and unsafe rather, for example, with different taste preferences. Adaptation of the products to the offer of competitors or different price levels can also be reasons for recipe deviations. The key is that the same rules and requirements for food safety and consumer information apply everywhere.
Diversity in tastes is part of Europe, as is the diversity of languages, traditions and temperaments, and one single recipe for all can therefore not be the solution, and neither can it become a legal obligation.
What else does the German food sector expect from the Institutions and the Member States of the European Union in the legislative period until 2024? Click here for the overview.
