WSRW has asked the European Commission what is being done to prevent that Western Sahara produce is being falsely labelled as 'Moroccan' as they reach the EU market.
Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) sent a letter 20 December 2011 to Mr. John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.
"We believe that trading products from Western Sahara, and labelling them as ‘Moroccan’ entail serious legal, ethical and political implications for the EU and for the consumer. We would like to hear from you what your office will do to make sure that produce from Western Sahara is not labelled as being Moroccan", the letter stated. Download the full letter here.
On 23 February 2012, the Commissioner sent a reply to WSRW that country of origin issues are outside the remit of their policy portfolio.
The Commissioner wrote that the WSRW request on labelling of Western Sahara produce was forwarded to the Cabinet of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
"I am sure that, in collaboration with the relevant Commission Services, a reply addressing your concerns will shortly be forthcoming", the Commissioner replied.
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