Cocoa and chocolate products intended for human consumption

The Commission considers that, to a large extent, the common position adopted by the Council meets the substance of the wishes expressed by the European Parliament, particularly on the restriction of the use of vegetable fats other than cocoa butter and information for consumers. As regards fats, the Commission considers that the common position is a balanced compromise between the interests at stake and goes further than requested by the European Parliament by defining these fats and establishing a list of six specific fats of tropical origin. In addition, the common position ensures full labelling to keep consumers well informed and will ensure proper functioning of the internal market in cocoa and chocolate products. By way of conclusion, the Commission supports the common position adopted by the Council which, to a very large extent, is in spirit of the amendments proposed by the European Parliament in its first reading.�