This document consists of the report from the Commission on the application of Article 5 of Council Regulation 2991/94/EC laying down standards for spreadable fats.
Article 5 of Regulation 2991/94/EC states that the terms for products referred to in the Annex which state, imply or suggest fat content other than those referred to in that Annex shall be prohibited.
By way of derogation and in addition:
- the term 'reduced-fat' may be used for products referred to in the Annex with a fat content of more than 41% but not more than 62%;
- the terms 'low-fat' or 'light' may be used for products referred to in the Annex with a fat content of 41% or less.
The report concludes that not only has the application of Article 5(2) of Regulation 2991/94/EC given rise to no problems, but it has proven to be effective in contributing, together with the general descriptions, towards creating a framework of
Community rules which incorporates and clarifies the range of sales descriptions and terms used throughout the European Union.
Since no problems have arisen in applying them and their effectiveness has been proven, it is inconceivable that the terms should be abolished, which would only confuse consumers and traders alike. The application of terms implying a reduced or low fat content may, of course, be reviewed in the light of developments at Community level in legislation on the standardisation of claims for food products.�