38 Amendments of Asger CHRISTENSEN related to 2023/0105(COD)
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In light of the close link between the quality of honey and its origin and the need for the consumer not to be misled regarding the quality of the product, Directive 2001/110/EC lays down rules on the labelling of the origin where the honey has been harvested. In particular, Article 2(4) of that Directive requires the country or countries of origin where the honey has been harvested to be indicated on the label and provides that, if honey originates in more than one Member State or third country, the mandatory indication of the countries of origin may be replaced by one of the following, as appropriate: ‘blend of EU honeys’, ‘blend of non-EU honeys’, ‘blend of EU and non-EU honeys’. The different rules adopted on this basis by Member States may have misled consumers and may have hindered the functioning of the internal market. In the light of the Farm to Fork Strategy’s objective of strengthening consumers in making informed choices, including on the origin of their food, andlso in the interest to preserve the efficient functioning of the internal market throughout the Union through a harmonisation of the labelling rules, it is appropriate to revise the rules for honey origin labelling and provide that the country or countries of origin should be mentioned on the packaging in descending order of their share in weight. In light of the reduced size of the packs containing only a single portion of honey (breakfast packs) and the resulting technical difficulties, it is therefore appropriate to exempt those packspacks the largest surface of which have an area of less than 10 cm from the obligation of listing all individual countries of origin, where the honey originates in more than one country.
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Following the "From the Hive" action carried out by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), together with the national authorities of 18 countries belonging to the European Food Fraud Network, the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), a very high percentage of imported honeys were found to be adulterated with cheap ingredients, such as sugar syrups and water, to artificially increase the product's volume. Directive 2001/110, amended by Directive 2014/63, empowers the European Commission to establish the most appropriate methods of analysis to ensure that honey marketed in the European Union complies with the requirements of the legislation. These methods are now obsolete, and there is an urgent need to update them regularly in the light of the latest scientific developments, in collaboration with the Commission's Joint Research Centre, in order to prevent fraudulent practices.
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) It is also essential to improve traceability from the beekeeper to the consumer, with a minimum of compulsory, harmonized rules. At present, traceability rules do not make it possible to link the various operators in contact with the product, which encourages fraud. Given the difficulties involved in tracing the origin of honey, a specific traceability system needs to be set up for this sector.
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In light of the close link between the quality of honey and its origin and the need for the consumer not to be misled regarding the quality of the product, Directive 2001/110/EC lays down rules on the labelling of the origin where the honey has been harvested. In particular, Article 2(4) of that Directive requires the country or countries of origin where the honey has been harvested to be indicated on the label and provides that, if honey originates in more than one Member State or third country, the mandatory indication of the countries of origin may be replaced by one of the following, as appropriate: ‘blend of EU honeys’, ‘blend of non-EU honeys’, ‘blend of EU and non-EU honeys’. The different rules adopted on this basis by Member States may have misled consumers and may have hindered the functioning of the internal market. In the light of the Farm to Fork Strategy’s objective of strengthening consumers in making informed choices, including on the origin of their food, and in the interest to preserve the efficient functioning of the internal market throughout the Union through a harmonisation of the labelling rules, it is appropriate to revise the rules for honey origin labelling and provide that the country or countries of origin should be mentioned on the packaging. In light of the reduced size of the packs containing only a single portion of honey (breakfast packs) and the resulting technical difficulties, it is therefore appropriate to exempt those packs from the obligation of listing all individual countries of origin, where the honey originates in more than one country. To ensure the accuracy of the information on the country or countries of origin of honey that consumers are provided with, the placing on the market of honey should be conditional upon the accuracy of the composition of the product with its indicated country or countries of origin. To ensure the compliance of products with the requirements set out in this Directive, checks should be performed by competent authorities.
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 c (new)
Recital 3 c (new)
(3c) In order to avoid any ambiguity for the consumer and guarantee the traceability of honey, ultrafiltered honey, referred to in the Directive 2001/110 as "filtered honey", should no longer be allowed to be marketed under the name of honey. While beekeepers commonly use wide-mesh honey sieves to remove any plant debris or pieces of wax, ultrafiltration removes much, if not almost all, of the pollen from honey. Pollen is the most important element present in honey on which analyses are based to verify its floral and geographical origin. The absence of pollen in honey by ultrafiltration therefore removes one of the essential components and prevents verification of the country or countries of origin.
Amendment 46 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 d (new)
Recital 3 d (new)
(3d) Heat treatment above 40-50°C degrades the sensitive components of honey. However, HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) content and the diastase index can only be used to assess the gross degradation of honeys. A minimum threshold should be defined for the presence of invertase, a much more sensitive enzyme, which degrades rapidly once high temperatures are reached. To ensure that consumers are properly informed, the term "virgin honey" referring to the absence of significant heat treatment may be included on the label on the front of the commercial packaging of the honey if no heat treatment has degraded highly sensitive enzymes such as invertase, from harvesting to potting.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In light of the close link between the quality of honey and its origin and the need for the consumer not to be misled regarding the quality of the product, Directive 2001/110/EC lays down rules on the labelling of the origin where the honey has been harvested. In particular, Article 2(4) of that Directive requires the country or countries of origin where the honey has been harvested to be indicated on the label and provides that, if honey originates in more than one Member State or third country, the mandatory indication of the countries of origin may be replaced by one of the following, as appropriate: ‘blend of EU honeys’, ‘blend of non-EU honeys’, ‘blend of EU and non-EU honeys’. The different rules adopted on this basis by Member States may have misled consumers and may have hindered the functioning of the internal market. In the light of the Farm to Fork Strategy’s objective of strengthening consumers in making informed choices, including on the origin of their food, and in the interest to preserve the efficient functioning of the internal market throughout the Union through a harmonisation of the labelling rules, it is appropriate to revise the rules for honey origin labelling and provide that the country or countries of origin should be mentioned on the packaging in descending order of their share in weight. In light of the reduced size of the packs containing only a single portion of honey (breakfast packs) and the resulting technical difficulties, it is therefore appropriate to exempt those packs from the obligation of listing all individual countries of origin, where the honey originates in more than one country. In order to increase transparency and to meet consumer expectations, the geographical origin of the honey should be indicated on the label in the same visual field as the indication of the product.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 e (new)
Recital 3 e (new)
(3e) The commercialisation of honeys that are not naturally matured by bees, most of which are imported from third countries, distorts competition in the EU market. In most cases, this involves vacuum evaporation of the water contained in the honey, which results in a depletion of the aromas naturally present. The rapid and artificial evaporation of water from honey competes with the slow dehumidification process carried out naturally by bees in the hive. Artificial evaporation must therefore be prohibited.
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Following the "From the Hive" action carried out by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), together with the national authorities of 18 countries belonging to the European Food Fraud Network, the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), a very high percentage of imported honeys were found to be adulterated with cheap ingredients, such as sugar syrups and water, to artificially increase the product's volume. Directive 2001/110, amended by Directive 2014/63, empowers the European Commission to establish the most appropriate methods of analysis to ensure that honey marketed in the European Union complies with the requirements of the legislation. These methods are now obsolete, and there is an urgent need to update them regularly in the light of the latest scientific developments, in collaboration with the Commission's Joint Research Centre, in order to prevent fraudulent practices and to ensure a level-playing field between EU and non-EU operators.
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Following the "From the Hive" action carried out by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), together with the national authorities of 18 countries belonging to the European Food Fraud Network, the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), a very high percentage of imported honeys were found to be adulterated with cheap ingredients, such as sugar syrups and water, to artificially increase the product's volume. Directive 2001/110/EC empowers the European Commission to establish the most appropriate methods of analysis to ensure that honey marketed in the European Union complies with the requirements of the legislation. These methods are now obsolete, and there is an urgent need to update them regularly in the light of the latest scientific developments, in collaboration with the Commission's Joint Research Centre, in order to prevent fraudulent practices.
Amendment 62 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) It is also essential to improve traceability from the beekeeper to the consumer, with a minimum of compulsory, harmonised rules. At present, traceability rules do not make it possible to link the various operators who come into contact with the product, which encourages fraud. Given the difficulties involved in tracing the origin of honey, a specific traceability system needs to be set up for this sector, while limiting administrative burden for beekeepers to a minimum.
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) In addition to verifiability of the origin of honey thanks to the testing of its composition, the traceability of the product or batch should be ensured. At present, traceability rules do not make it possible to link the various operators who come into contact with the product, which encourages fraud. Given the difficulties involved in tracing the origin of honey, a specific traceability system needs to be set up for this sector.
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 c (new)
Recital 3 c (new)
(3c) To ensure accurate information for consumers and guarantee the traceability and verifiability of honey authenticity and honey origins, ultrafiltered honey, referred to in Directive 2001/110/EC as "filtered honey", should no longer be allowed to be marketed and labelled as "honey". Ultrafiltration refers to filtration processes using a filter mesh of a size under 100 µm thus removing the majority of the pollen from honey. Since pollen is the key element present in honey used to trace its origin when analysed, the absence of pollen in honey makes it almost impossible to verify the data provided regarding its country or countries of origin. Ultrafiltration thus alters honey by depriving it of one of its main components and characteristics, and prevents its traceability, thus enabling for fraud and misleading indications for consumers. If, when tested, a product marketed as honey presents little or no trace of pollen, it should be prohibited from being placed on the market as well as the batch it is part of, if applicable.
Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 c (new)
Recital 3 c (new)
(3c) In order to avoid any ambiguity for the consumer and to ensure the traceability of honey, ultrafiltered honey, referred to in Directive 2001/110/EC as "filtered honey", should no longer be allowed to be marketed under the name of honey. While beekeepers commonly use wide-mesh honey sieves to remove any plant debris or pieces of wax, ultrafiltration removes much, if not almost all, of the pollen from honey. Pollen is the most important element present in honey on which analyses are based to verify its floral and geographical origin. The absence of pollen in honey by ultrafiltration therefore removes one of the essential components and prevents verification of the country or countries of origin.
Amendment 75 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 d (new)
Recital 3 d (new)
(3d) Heat treatment above 40-50°C degrades the sensitive components of honey. However, the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content and the diastase index can only be used to assess the gross degradation of honeys. A minimum threshold should be defined for the presence of invertase, a much more sensitive enzyme, which degrades rapidly at high temperatures. To ensure that consumers are properly informed, the term "virgin honey", referring to the absence of significant heat treatment, may be included on the label on the front of the commercial packaging of the honey if no heat treatment has degraded highly sensitive enzymes such as invertase, from harvesting to potting.
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 d (new)
Recital 3 d (new)
(3d) Considering the direct link between information of consumers and the reliability of the information indicated on honey, it is impossible to inform consumers unless the accuracy of the information on the label is guaranteed. Traceability and verifiability of the composition should therefore be ensured in order to guarantee the origin and the quality of honey, including in the case of honey contained in other products. Ensuring traceability and verifiability of the honey's country or countries of origin will also ensure a level-playing field between all operators by making sure that they all comply with the same obligations.
Amendment 77 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) The country of origin where the honey hwas been harvested ishall be indicated on the label. If the honey originates infrom more than one country, the countries of origin where the honey hwas been harvested shallmust be indicated on the label of packsages whose largest surface area is greater than 10 cm2. The countaining more than 25 g;ries of origin must be indicated in descending order, with their respective percentages in the blend and on the front of the pack, close to the product's trade name. Countries of origin should indicated in full on the label.
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 e (new)
Recital 3 e (new)
(3e) The commercialisation of honeys that are not naturally matured by bees, most of which are imported from third countries, distorts competition on the Union market. In most cases, this involves vacuum evaporation of the water contained in the honey, which results in a depletion of the aromas naturally present. The rapid and artificial evaporation of water from honey competes with the slow dehumidification process carried out naturally by bees in the hive. Artificial evaporation should therefore be prohibited.
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a a (new)
(aa) A traceability system for honey should be set up, complementing the horizontal rules already applicable to the agri-food sector in Article 18 of Regulation No. (EC) 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The European commission is empowered to elaborate no later than 12 months after the entry into force of this Directive, a delegated act introducing a harmonised traceability system enabling competent authorities to trace the entire history of the honey produced and imported into the EU back to the harvesting beekeepers or operators in the case of imported honeys.
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a b (new)
(ab) Except for honeys intended for industrial use, the term "virgin honey" may be included on the label on the front of the commercial packaging of the honey if no heat treatment has degraded highly sensitive enzymes such as invertase, from harvesting to potting, while complying with the conditions referred to in Annex II, points 6 (diastase index and hydroxymethylfurfural content) and 7 (invertase index).
Amendment 107 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex I – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
Annex I – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
(ba) Annex I is amended as follows: Paragraph 2, point (b)(viii) is replaced by the following: (viii) virgin honey: the honey obtained which has been extracted from the combs, decanted and then, if necessary, sieved. Honey so designated has not been heated to the extent that its enzymes and other thermally sensitive elements are degraded to such an extent that they no longer comply with the criteria laid down in points 6 and 7 of Annex II.
Amendment 110 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110 /EC
Annex II – paragraph 2
Annex II – paragraph 2
Amendment 112 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex II – paragraph 3
Annex II – paragraph 3
(bc) Annex II, third sentence is replaced by the following: No significant change in the pollen count or pollen spectrum of pollen smaller than 100 µm is permitted. No constituents of honey smaller than 100 µm may be removed.
Amendment 113 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex II – paragraph 4 – point 6 a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 4 – point 6 a (new)
(bd) A paragraph 7 is added in Annex II as follows: 7 (new). invertase index (Gontarski unit) for "virgin honeys". Determined after processing and blending. - generally, not less than 50 U/kg - honeys with a low natural enzyme content, not less than 25 U/kg
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)
(1b) In Article 2, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following: "2. the product names referred to in Annex I, points 2 and 3, shall apply only to the products defined therein and shall be used in trade to designate them. These names may be replaced by the simple product name "honey", except in the case of filtered honey, comb honey, chunk honey or cut comb in honey and baker's honey. comb honey, honey with pieces of comb and industrial honey." Or. en (02001L0110)
Amendment 144 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
In Article 2, paragraph 2, the following point ba is added: "(ba) except for honeys intended for industrial use, the term "virgin honey" may be included on the label on the front of the commercial packaging of the honey, provided that no heat treatment has degraded highly sensitive enzymes such as invertase, from harvesting to potting, and that the conditions referred to in Annex II, points 6 (diastase index and hydroxymethylfurfural content) and 7 (invertase index) are met."
Amendment 150 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) The country of origin where the honey has been harvested shall be indicated on the label. If the honey originates in more than one country, the countries of origin where the honey has been harvested shall be indicated on the label of packs. All countaining more than 25 g;ries of origin shall be written in full and listed in descending order of importance and their respective percentages shall be clearly indicated on the front-of-pack label of the product, close to the product's trade name. This shall also apply to products containing industrial honey, which shall indicate on their front-of-pack label the country or countries of origin of the honey they contain.
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 Directive 2001/110/EC
(b) For the purpoExcept in the cases of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 and in particular Articles 12 to 15 thereof, the particulars to be indicated according to point (a) of this paragraph shall be considered as mandatory particulars in accordance with Article 9 of that Regulation.honey intended for industry, these names may be supplemented by indications relating to: - floral or vegetable origin, if the product comes entirely or essentially from the origin indicated and has the organoleptic, physico-chemical and microscopic characteristics thereof, - regional, territorial or topographical origin, if the product comes entirely from the origin indicated, - specific quality criteria.
Amendment 177 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The following Article 2a is added : "Article 2a Honey and products containing honey placed on the Union market shall be part of a traceability system such as an identification code or a blockchain system. Competent authorities shall be able to trace the honey’s journey back to its country of origin. Operators placing honey and products containing honey on the market shall be able to trace it, via an identification number or blockchain system, to its previous operator and country of origin. This number shall be written on the product's label and/or documentation. This traceability system shall be supported by the traceability requirements established pursuant to Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002."
Amendment 178 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 g (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 g (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 3
Article 3
Article 3 In the case of filtered honey and baker's honeis replaced by the following: "Article 3 In the case of honey intended for industry, bulk containers, packs and tradeaging and sales documentsation shall clearly indicate the full product name, as referred to in Annex I, point 2(b)(viii), and point 3. set out in point 3 of Annex I." Or. en (02001L0110)
Amendment 195 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a (new)
The following Article 4a is added: "Article 4a A traceability system for honey shall be set up, complementing the horizontal rules already applicable to the agri-food sector in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. The Commission is empowered to adopt, no later than 12 months after the entry into force of this Directive, a delegated act introducing a harmonised traceability system enabling competent authorities to trace the entire history of the honey produced and imported into the Union back to the harvesting beekeepers or, in the case of imported honey, to the operators."
Amendment 196 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annexes I and II are amended in accordance with Annex Ia to this Directive;
Amendment 202 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex I – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
Annex I – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
Amendment 209 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex II – paragraph 2
Annex II – paragraph 2
In Annex II, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: "When placed on the market as honey or used in any product intended for human consumption, honey shall not have added to it any food ingredient, including food additives, nor shall any other additions be made other than honey. Honey must, as far as possible, be free from organic or inorganic matters foreign to its composition. With the exception of point 3 of Annex I, it must not have any foreign tastes or odours, have begun to ferment, have an artificially changed acidity or have been heated in such a way that the natural enzymes have been either destroyed or significantly inactivated. , or have been exposed to vacuum evaporation. Honey, when marketed as such or used in any product intended for human consumption, must comply with the compositional characteristics set out in points 1 to 6. In addition, when marketed as "virgin honey" it must also comply with the compositional characteristics set out in point 6a." Or. en (02001L0110)
Amendment 210 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
In Annex II, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: "When placed on the market as honey or used in any product intended for human consumption, honey shall not have added to it any food ingredient, including food additives, nor shall any other additions be made other than honey. Honey must, as far as possible, be free from organic or inorganic matters foreign to its composition. With the exception of point 3 of Annex I, iIt must not have any foreign tastes or odours, have begun to ferment, have an artificially changed acidity or have been heated in such a way that the natural enzymes have been either destroyed or significantly inactivated. , or have been exposed to vacuum evaporation. The category "products containing honey" therefore does not include honey blended with food ingredients or other additional ingredients." Or. en (02001L0110)
Amendment 217 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex II – paragraph 3
Annex II – paragraph 3
Amendment 218 #
Amendment 228 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 d (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 d (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex II – paragraph 6 a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 6 a (new)
In Annex II, the following paragraph 6a is added: "6a. Invertase index (Gontarski unit) for "virgin honeys". Determined after processing and blending. - generally, not less than 50 U/kg - honeys with a low natural enzyme content, not less than 25 U/kg."