21.9.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities L 248/37 COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 10 September 1999 concerning a draft law of the Italian Republic on additional provisions for the labelling of beverages in ring-pull cans (notified under document number C(1999) 2897) (Only the Italian text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance) (1999/631/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 79/112/EEC of 18 December 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (1), as last amended by Directive 97/4/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (?), and in particular Articles 16 and 17 thereof, (1)  Whereas, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 16(2) of Directive 79/112[EEC, the Italian authorities have notified the Commission of a draft law on additional provisions for the labelling of beverages in ring-pull cans; (2)  Whereas the said draft law requires the labelling of such beverages to carry an indication of the type ‘clean top of can before opening and avoid drinking directly from ’ can; (3)  Whereas, in accordance with Article 16(2) of Directive 79/112[EEC, the Commission has consulted the other Member States within the Standing Committee on Food- stuffs; (4)  Whereas the hygiene measures advocated by the Italian authorities for using this type of packaging are not in question; (5)  Whereas, however, foodstuffs labelling is often not the most appropriate way of educating consumers in food hygiene; () O] L 33, 8.2.1979, p. 1. O] L 43, 1421997, p. 21. (6) ~ Whereas a more appropriate measure, constituting less of an obstacle to the free movement of the beverages in question, would be information campaigns to raise the awareness of consumers; particularly young consumers, regarding hygiene precautions to be taken when using this type of can; (7)  Whereas the requirements of the notified draft law there- fore appear excessive in relation to the objective in hand; (8)  Whereas this finding has prompted the Commission to deliver a negative opinion, in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 16(2) of Directive 79/112[EEC; (9)  Whereas for the Italian authorities to impose such an obligation unilaterally would create new barriers to the free movement of foodstuffs; (10)  Whereas the Italian authorities should therefore be asked not to adopt this draft law; (11)  Whereas the measures laid down in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Foodstuffs, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Italy is required not to adopt its draft law on additional provi- sions for the labelling of beverages in ring-pull cans.