By Martin Banks - 17th September 2009
There has to be consideration of the financial impact of such a regulation
British Airways
Two of the world's biggest airlines have voiced concern at EU plans concerning the labelling of food served on planes.
Under a proposed regulation, airlines operating out of the EU would be required to display the nutritional content on food served to passengers.
The aim of the draft law is to simplify and harmonise EU food labelling and information to consumers.
But the airline industry body the Association of European Airlines has condemned the proposals as unworkable.
Now a spokesman for Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic has added its voice to growing discontent over the proposals.
Polly Durrant said, "Virgin caters for passengers' allergies and special dietary requirements through offering an extensive list of IATA approved special meals and we ensure our food is the best quality possible by working with some of the best caterers in the world."
Her comments were echoed by British Airways. Victoria Madden,a spokesman for the company, who said, "There has to be consideration of the financial impact of such a regulation on an industry that is very economically fragile and is already subject to strict legislative control.
"To this end we are participating in the AEA industry discussions to ensure the most reasonable and practical outcome given the global nature of our business."
The Brussels-based AEA,which represents 35 of the world's biggest airlines, including British Airways, Air France, Virgin and Lufthansa, says the proposal will increase costs for the airline industry.
The association is now urging the European parliament and member states to "acknowledge the specificities of aviation" before a final decision on the draft law is taken.
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