The control of foodstuffs will be more reliable to secure its high quality throughout Europe. The European Parliament adopted its position on new EU standards yesterday evening.

"We can remedy existing shortcomings to improve the system," said Horst Schnellhardt MEP, who is in charge of the new EU rules on behalf of the EPP Group.

"Constant checks by the competent authorities on the ground in the Member States are indispensable to maintain the high quality of foodstuffs in Europe. Our vote would make it possible for authorities to charge, not only foodstuff-producing companies, but also all other companies in the food sector. This would enable the authorities to increase their number of staff and to improve their equipment," says Horst Schnellhardt.   

"It must be clear that additional resources must in any case be allocated to the controlling authorities. They must take a realistic and sensible approach in not applying inadequate fees. We must keep an eye on the competitiveness of the European economy."