Foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses (amend. Directive 89/398/EEC)

The comittee adopted the report of Mr. Giacomo LEOPARDI on the Commission proposal to amend the Directive 89/398 EEC on foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses ((COD94327). The specific Directives which follow on from the above mentioned Directive on the approximation on the laws of the Member States relating to foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses are drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure of the Standing Committee for Foodstuffs and after consultation of the Scientific Committee for Food. Amendments to the special directives aimed at adapting them to scientific and technological progress are adopted using the same procedure as that for the initial adoption of these directives. This procedure takes so long that the industries which have produced innovations are unlikely to benefit fully from their research. This situation is also prejudicial to the consumer, who is the main beneficiary of technological innovations. Since it is impossible to guarantee shorter deadlines for the directive adaptation procedure, the Commission proposes a procedure by which, after consultation of the Scientific Committee for Food and of the Standing Committee for Foodstuffs, temporary marketing authorization may be granted for dietetic foods resulting from scientific and technological progress. This temporary authorization is to be granted for a two-year period, pending the amendment of the specific directive covering the dietetic foods concerned and its incorporation into Member State law. �