The BBC reports that the EC proposes to ban the use of refillable bottles and dipping bowls of olive oil on tables in hospitality establishments – from as early as January 2014.
From 1 January 2014, restaurants may only serve olive oil in tamper-proof packaging, labelled to EU standards.
Apparently the work of an obscure (but unnamed) committee in Brussels, the European Commission claims that the ban will ensure the quality of what consumers receive (apparently taste buds are no longer to be relied upon), and ensure hygiene standards are met.
Ironically, the British member of the committee is reported elsewhere to have abstained on voting on the issue!
Predictably and understandably, the ban has outraged both restaurateurs and consumers, with restaurants pointing out both that they take trouble to source olive oil that meets their standards, as well as pleasing their customers.
The overall effect is likely to harm the sales of small, artisan olive oil producers around Europe, reduce choice in restaurants, as well as increase costs.
The likely outcome?
The British will indulge in a frenzy of criticism but apply the ban, whilst most of Europe will simply ignore it as yet one more piece of bureaucratic nonsense.
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