International

Today butchers, greengrocers, poulterers, bakers and fishmongers joined the SP in Rotterdam in a protest against the impossible regulations imposed by Brussels. With SP number one candidate Dennis de Jong in attendance, they were there to inform shoppers about just how senseless the rules are. Delicacies were handed out, each labelled in conformity with the absurd rules which the European Union wants to introduce.

Dennis de Jong hands out foods labelled according to the proposed EU rules

According to a new proposal from the EU, all products would have to carry a label with comprehensive product information and food values. For a small business this is neither affordable nor practical. In fact, it would be practically impossible. The compulsory food value test costs €400 per product. An average butcher carries 180 products, which would represent a total cost of €72.000.

Dennis de Jong talks to an employee of the small butchery firm Schell

“It's important that consumers can get good information on products," said Dennis de Jong. "But the rules from Brussels are designed so that only big food corporations can possibly meet them. Brussels should leave space for exceptions to be allowed for small firms."

SP candidate Niels Jongerius talks to shoppers

The demonstration ‘Less Brussels – more room for small businesses', was supported by the Royal Dutch Butchers Organisation, the Dutch Federation of Poulterers and Dealers in Game, the Association of Dutch Fish Retailers and the Dutch Retailers Association.

Independent baker Het Bammetje interviewed by news service Hart van Nederland (Heart of the Netherlands)