Brussels, 10 june 2005

Dear Mr Hoelgaard,

I am writing with reference to the Hearing that the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission is organising on a EU-wide definition of 'veal' on 14 June 2005.

I would like first to thank you for inviting EURO COOP - the European Community of Consumer Co-operatives - to take part and present its view on that occasion. Unfortunately, as some of your colleagues already know, EURO COOP will not be able to attend the hearing in person.

Nonetheless, with the present letter EURO COOP would like to express its full support for the work that the Commission services are carrying-out vis-à-vis a harmonized definition of 'veal'.

EURO COOP member-organisations understand the reasons that lie behind this effort. Laying down common criteria for a definition of veal will eliminate the current disparity amongst the legislations of several producer-countries across Europe and, as a result, will also introduce common rules for the labelling of this bovine meat. Also, non-EU veal producer-countries will have to comply with this new set of rules in order to enter the European market. A harmonized framework will certainly contribute in the long-term to increasing consumers' confidence and preventing them from being misled while shopping.

Regarding the specific criteria for the definition of 'veal' proposed by the Commission (8 months of age and 185 Kilos for the carcase weight), EURO COOP thinks that the criterion of the age of the veal is the key element. The 8 months suggested by the Commission services in this respect seem to be a good and realistic compromise.

Additionally, EURO COOP would also invite the Commission to adopt appropriate measures in order to make sure that above the proposed age limit there is no room for the use of any claim that may mistakenly lead food processors and consumers to think that certain meat is 'veal' while it is not. In such a case, the Commission may like to consider allowing Member States to continue to apply the respective domestic rules vis-à-vis trade names and labelling of bovine meat as a safeguard measure.

Finally, I would like also to take this opportunity to inform you that in the next months EURO COOP will be following with interest the ongoing stakeholder debate on the harmonization of the criteria for veal meat and will continue to support of the Commission work.

Accordingly, we kindly ask you to keep us informed about the findings of the electronic consumer survey that was launched early this year and the main developments in the stakeholder debate.

In the meanwhile, we remain at your entire disposal for any further clarification.

Yours sincerely,

Francesco Montanari
Food Policy Officer
EURO COOP

CC:Mr Jean Récalde
     Ms Barbara Rotovnik
     Mr Donal Walshe