EU May Add Processed Foods to Eco-Label Program

The European Parliament has endorsed an agreement on extending the European Union’s (EU) eco-label scheme to other products, reported EurActiv.com.  After EU member-state representatives have formally adopted the regulation, processed food and feed products will be added to the list, according to the article.

The proposed regulation promotes products with a reduced environmental impact and sets general requirements for the development of the Eco-label criteria for any goods or services for use in the EU market. The EU assembly backed the European Commission’s July 2008 proposal to revise the voluntary eco-label scheme, which aims to increase the number of products covered by the scheme and reduce costs by cutting administrative red tape, reported EurActive.

The commission sets specific eco-label criteria for each product group before awarding the EU “flower” label. Currently, more than 3,000 products including detergents, paper and shoes have been awarded the eco-label.

The EU in July launched Action plan for sustainable consumption, production and industry, a proposal to curb the environmental impact of EU consumerism by supporting sustainable products, innovation and technology