The European Union has abandoned its plan to ban the serving on olive oil in refillable jugs on restaurant tables.
It follows widespread criticism of the proposal from restaurant and consumer groups. Fifteen EU member states had expressed support for the measure, which was insufficient to pass it on the basis of a qualified majority.
European Commission agriculture commissioner Dacian Ciolos said there had been a “number of quite strong positions adopted against this proposed regulation, in particular from consumers”.
“This is a measure that’s intended to help consumers to inform them, particularly to make sure they’re not misled. It can’t attract, at the moment, broad consumer support and that’s crucial in my view.
“So I’ve decided to withdraw this proposal and not submit it for adoption.”
Ciolos said he planned to meet the restaurant industry and consumer groups to discuss the issue.
