European Commission

EU extends aid to food producers hit by Russian export ban

03-Aug-2015 By Nathan Gray

The European Commission has announced extended support measures for dairy and fruit and vegetable sectors hit by Russia’s ban on food imports from Europe.

Orange juice price spikes after carbendazim scare

12-Jan-2012 By Mark Astley

The price of orange juice futures hit a 34-year high, after news that US food safety authorities would block imports of the fruit containing even low-levels of carbendazim – a fungicide commonly used in Brazil.

EU approves DuPont-Danisco offer – but it’s far from a done deal

05-Apr-2011 By Shane Starling

The European Commission today approved DuPont’s €4.5bn offer for Danish probiotics, enzymes and ingredients giant Danisco but the deal remains in doubt as to date only 6% of Danisco shareholders have accepted the offer.

Sugar: regulatory sweet nothings leave food and drink makers in limbo

02-Feb-2011 By Jane Byrne

Jazz singer Nina Simone’s plaintive, “I want a little sugar in my bowl”, will strike the right note with Europe’s beleaguered sugar industry.

Germany agency calls for limits on BPA usage

10-Jun-2010 By Jane Byrne

Manufacturers, importers and users of bisphenol A (BPA) should use alternative substances that pose less risk to human health and the environment, advises Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

Commission raises big doubts over Friesland-Campina merger

18-Jul-2008 By Jess Halliday

An initial investigation of the European Competition Commission
into the proposed merger of dairy cooperatives Friesland Foods and
Campina has raised serious concerns, prompting the launch of an
in-depth investigation.

New EU rules for enzyme market one step closer

19-May-2008 By Lindsey Partos

Rules authorising enzymes need to be updated and simplified, and
enzymes should be authorised only where the consumer benefits, said
Europe's Environment committee, clearing the next hurdle in a
new legal framework for enzyme...

Europe proposes to test Indian guar gum for dioxins

11-Mar-2008 By Jess Halliday

The European Commission is proposing to test all guar gum from
India for presence of the contaminant PCP as an interim measure to
ensure ongoing supply of the thickening agent prior to the Indian
authorities implementing tighter controls.

Sugar companies may face compulsory quota cuts

27-Feb-2008 By Laura Crowley

The European Commission may have to enforce compulsory final sugar
quota cuts of 1.16m tones in 2010 with no compensation, as current
renunciations fall below targets.

EC not phased by 20,000-plus health claims

26-Feb-2008 By Shane Starling

The European Commission insists it is on track with the process of
tabulating the thousands of health claim petitions submitted to it
by member states and European trade organisations, but industry
sources are not so optimistic.

UK dairy reveals quota reform concerns

22-Feb-2008 By Neil Merrett

An industry association representing UK dairy groups says that it
remains in support of the European Commission's drive to cut
production quotas, though claims more must be done to ensure
long-term market stability in the bloc.

EAS publishes guide to EU nutritional market

08-Feb-2008 By Lorraine Heller

A European consultancy group has published a new report designed to
help manufacturers of nutritional products successfully enter the
European Union market.

Germany proposes GM approval overhaul

14-Dec-2007 By staff reporter

The German agriculture minister has suggested that the EU make
decisions to approve genetically-modified plants in Europe purely
on the basis of science and do away with political voting on the
matter.

Exotic fruit raids to probe price fixing

03-Dec-2007 By Laura Crowley

European Commission antitrust authorities are investigating
importers and producers of fresh exotic fruits under suspicions of
running a cartel to fix prices.

US testing speeds peanut import process

23-Oct-2007 By Laura Crowley

The import of American peanuts by European countries is now simpler
and quicker because the European Commission has approved the
pre-export aflatoxin tests carried out by the USA.