Extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients (3rd amend. Directive 88/344/EEC)

The common position largely reflects the initial proposal approved by the European Parliament at first reading. The only amendments introduced by the Council concern the application of the directive. With regard first to the date of entry into force of the directive, the Council has postponed the deadlines for transposition by six months. In addition, it has introduced a provision based on the practice applied when other directives on additives were adopted, allowing operators to place products which do not comply with the directive on the market until stocks are used up. It should be noted that Denmark voted against the common position and issued a voting explanation stating that the credibility of the Community could be questioned if the European Union introduced the use of the solvent 1.1.1.2-tetrafluoroethane or HFC-134a now that the Community has a firm policy on greenhouse gases.�