WRITTEN QUESTION P-1814/99 by Luciana Sbarbati (ELDR) to the Commission. Protection for foodstuffs produced by small undertakings in Italy.
20. 6. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 170 E/107 The Commission takes the view that additional measures should be taken to ensure a smooth transition to euro notes and coins. In its recommendation 98/0286/EC (1) of 23 April 1998, it therefore called on banks to convert áhousehold amountsí free of charge for their customers. This applies to notes and coins alike. With regard to the second point, it should be noted that, as matters stand, it is not generally possible to exchange coins from another Member State in another Member State in the euro area. The question is therefore whether an additional service should be put in place when euro notes and coins are introduced, what the price and conditions of such a service would be and who would bear the costs of it. In the light of the particular logistical problems associated with handling coins, significant resources would probably be necessary if conversion were possible throughout the euro area. In general, however, the value of national coins is limited and therefore the bodies offering this service would not stand to benefit greatly. Nevertheless, the Commission is aware of the problem and is currently discussing arrangements for talks with the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Member States with a view to finding a solution which is both economically reasonable and satisfactory for individuals in the Union. (1) COM(98) 961 final. (2000/C 170 E/125) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1814/99 by Luciana Sbarbati (ELDR) to the Commission (11 October 1999) Subject: Protection for foodstuffs produced by small undertakings in Italy In accordance with the undertakings given by the European Union, several vertical directives in the foodstuffs sector are to be simplified with a view to taking account of only those essential requirements which such products must meet in order to move freely within the single market. Is the Commission sure that the quality and health standards laid down in those directives are not likely to hamper the development and protection of traditional foodstuffs produced by small undertakings, which are high-quality products that form part of the cultural heritage and, at the same time, are important both from an economic and employment point of view and as regards consumer protection? How does it intend to prevent Italian small undertakings producing a wide range of foodstuffs (Fabriano salami, Fossa cheese, Colonnata bacon, honey, pasta, bread, chocolate, etc. ) from being severely disadvan- taged vis-à-vis multinational firms which produce foodstuffs on an industrial scale but to lower standards of quality? Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1999) Among the other things Community food law is intended to protect public health by laying down rules covering hygiene and inspection. Those rules must be obeyed by all producers, whether small or industrial in scale. The Commission has not had any feedback confirming that such arrangements, which have been in existence for years, hamper the development and protection of small-scale production or lowers its quality. Moreover, Council Regulation (EEC 2081/2 of 14 July 1992) on the protection of geographical indications location and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1) and Council Regulation (EEC) 2082/92 of 14 July 1992 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs (2) enable traditional products to be promoted and protected if they meet the requisite conditions. A large number of agrifoods that are often produced on a small scale thus benefit from that designation at Community level. (1) OJ L 208, 24. 7. 1992. (2) OJ L 208, 24. 7. 1992