Food & Drink in the EU

Latest business news about Food Safety and Food Policy in the European Union

EU to debate ending ban on US poultry — 13 May 2008, 23:26 CET

The Commission says it will make a proposal aimed at lifting an EU import ban on US poultry, adopted due to health fears over a chlorine washing process.

EU delays ruling on GM products — 07 May 2008, 19:28 CET

The Commission has ordered more tests on whether several genetically modified products should be allowed in Europe, putting back a decision on whether to give approval.

EU food safety body takes new look at baby bottle chemical — 06 May 2008, 23:44 CET

The EU food safety watchdog EFSA may review its clearance of bisphenol A for use in the manufacture of plastic baby bottles.

EU-bound sunflower oil 'deliberately' contaminated — 29 April 2008, 14:44 CET

Some 40,000 tonnes of Ukrainian sunflower oil headed for shops in the EU was deliberately contaminated with mineral oil, an EC expert says.

CAP is answer to high food prices, French minister says — 28 April 2008, 19:00 CET

Regional versions of the EU's agriculture policy for Africa and Latin America would help solve the current food price crisis, France's agriculture minister said in an interview.

EU upholds Slovakia pig and pig product ban — 21 April 2008, 18:10 CET

The Commission has upheld an embargo on pigs and pig products from Slovakia after an outbreak last week of highly contagious swine fever.

EU trade chief warns against food export bans — 17 April 2008, 15:25 CET

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson warns against restrictions on food exports in the face of soaring prices, arguing that they could trigger a "spiral of protectionism."

EU defends biofuel goals amid food crises — 14 April 2008, 16:38 CET

The Commission rejects claims that producing biofuels is a "crime against humanity" that threatens food supplies, and vows to stick to its goals as part of a climate change package.

EU under pressure to raise farm output amid soaring food prices — 14 April 2008, 17:00 CET

EU agriculture ministers faced pressure on Monday to ramp up farm output in the face of dire warnings that soaring global food prices could drive 100 million people in poor countries deeper into poverty.

France in EU drive to boost farm output amid record prices — 14 April 2008, 14:10 CET

France, Europe's biggest farming power, on Monday launched a drive to ramp up the European Union's agriculture output in the face of dire warnings that soaring food prices threaten millions worldwide.

France seeks action on food security — 14 April 2008, 12:09 CET

France's agriculture minister on Monday called for action to boost food production after soaring prices of basic foodstuffs sparked unrest in developing countries.

EU urged to ban food additives over child hyperactivity fears — 10 April 2008, 23:24 CET

Europe's main consumer watchdog called Thursday for an EU-wide ban on six food colourings which a scientific study has linked to hyperactivity in children.

EU and India to deepen biotech research ties — 10 April 2008, 00:21 CET

The EU and India are set to deepen their biotechnology research ties, particularly in the fields of food and health. A delegation from the EU recently visited India to discuss cooperation over issues such as the links between health and nutrition and how these can be exploited to help prevent chronic diseases.

Court upholds Sweden's right to tax wine more than beer — 09 April 2008, 17:07 CET

The European Court of Justice on Tuesday upheld Sweden's right to impose a higher tax rate on wine than beer, rejecting a legal challenge by the European Commission.

EU approves Heineken purchase of some Scottish and Newcastle assets — 03 April 2008, 16:07 CET

The European Commission approved on Thursday Dutch brewer Heineken's purchase of Scottish and Newcastle's businesses in Belgium, Britain, Finland and Portugal.

Italian mozzarella producers welcome Brussels' reprieve — 31 March 2008, 16:51 CET

For Italian mozzarella producers, the European Commission's decision to back off from a threatened import ban on the cheese prevented a disaster industry.

Italian mozzarella producers welcome Brussels' reprieve — 31 March 2008, 13:36 CET

For Italian mozzarella producers, the European Commission's decision to back off from a threatened import ban on the cheese prevented a disaster in the industry.

20 farms test positive for dioxin in Italian mozzarella scare: minister — 28 March 2008, 23:31 CET

Twenty Italian buffalo farms have tested positive for raised dioxin levels, the country's health minister said Friday, as the country began recalling tainted mozzarella from the market.

Italy to recall contaminated mozzarella, Commission 'satisfied' — 28 March 2008, 16:12 CET

The Italian government on Friday decided to begin recalling dioxin-tainted mozzarella from the market as France impounded shipments of the cheese made from buffalo milk in the region around Naples.

Singapore halts sales of Italian mozzarella — 28 March 2008, 15:35 CET

Singapore has halted sales of all buffalo mozzarella cheese imported from Italy as it investigates possible contamination, the government said Friday.

France halts sales of mozzarella over dioxin scare — 28 March 2008, 15:35 CET

France's agriculture minister on Friday asked shops to stop selling imported mozzarella after Italy discovered high levels of dioxin in the buffalo milk used to make the cheese.

EU sees 'no reason' for further action on Italian mozzarella — 28 March 2008, 15:29 CET

The European Commission expressed satisfaction on Friday with Italian authorities' reaction to a dioxin-tainted mozzarella scare, and said it currently saw no need for further EU action.

Italy to recall contaminated mozzarella — 28 March 2008, 12:39 CET

The Italian government on Friday decided to begin recalling dioxin-tainted mozzarella from the market after the European Commission warned it could follow Japan and South Korea's lead in imposing an import ban on the cheese.

France impounds mozzarella over dioxin scare — 28 March 2008, 11:56 CET

France on Friday impounded shipments of imported mozzarella cheese after the European Commission said Italy had not done enough to fight dioxin contamination.

Belgium up checks on Italian mozzarella in dioxin scare: official — 27 March 2008, 22:52 CET

Belgian food safety chiefs are stepping up checks on buffalo-milk mozzarella cheese imports from Italy in the wake of raised dioxin levels, a spokeswoman said Thursday.