Cocoa and chocolate products intended for human consumption

The proposal seeks to simplify and replace Directive 73/241/EEC and to adapt its provisions to the Community regulations applicable to foodstuffs. It also seeks to ensure the free circulation of products by laying down rules on the addition of any vegetable fats other than cocoa butter; the Directive already in force (73/241/EEC) provides that the Member States can authorise or prohibit the addition of vegetables fats other than cocoa butter. Currently, the use of vegetable fats is authorised in 7 Member States only. The Parliament's amendment seeks to insert a recital of the common position, making provision in particular for the Commission to consider what support the Community can provide in this connection to developing countries producing cocoa and other vegetable fats. The amendment is in line with the Commission's policy and can accordingly be accepted.�