Getting a better reading of the pulse of the industry the Commission has taken on board a Brussels-based private consultancy - the European Advisory Services (EAS)- to carry out an impact assessment on nutrition labelling.
While the environment office at the Commission is well versed in such studies, impact assessments in the food field are relatively new.
"We're effectively looking at the cost to the industry and the potential benefits for the consumer," Simon Pettman at the EAS told FoodNavigator.com. Our database will form part of the evaluation by the Commission, he added.
Since January 2003 the Commission's Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General has undertaken a review of the Nutrition Labelling Directive 90/496/EEC in light of possible amendments to the rules. The proposal has yet to be drawn up, and is unlikely to happen before the Parliament dissolves ahead of elections in June.
But a key element of the evaluation is related to the extent mandatory nutrition labelling would cost the food industry.
"Our new online questionnaire will give food companies across the EU25 an opportunity to give their opinion on the Commission's proposal for new labelling rules," commented Pettman. Adding that a food company can calculate online the potential impact of the Commission's plans on business, information that will be fed to the Commission.
A reflection of society's increasing preoccupation with health and nutrition, according to the EAS particular attention is being given by Brussels to the benefits of labelling saturated fats and sugars, as well as the merits of mandatory labelling, plus the need for transition periods and exemptions.
Small to medium sized businesses have already expressed concern that it might be difficult to meet requirements of changes to the current nutrition labelling rules but it is unclear as to just how deep this concern runs. The EAS questionnaire will aim to get a better picture.
"This is all part of the process in developing good legislation," said Pettman.
In addition to the questionnaire the consultants will carry out a series of interviews with a variety of stakeholders, including consumer groups and cardiovascular networks.
The EAS is also in discussions with the CIAA (the European food and drink industry body) who is helping the group to reach the widest possible audience through increased distribution of the questionnaire - closing date is 15 August - to national food and drink federations.