European MPs in Strasbourg tomorrow are expected to give their backing to plans which allow the sale of British chocolate throughout Europe-beating off a last-ditch bid by Belgian and French interests to frustrate the move.
At the heart of the long-running debate has been the definition of 'chocolate'. Belgian and French manufacturers, whose chocolate is made almost entirely of cocoa butter, have argued that British chocolate is a form of flavoured vegetable oil.
Now a compromise has been confirmed that will permit the sale of British chocolate under the label 'Family Milk Chocolate'.
Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat Euro-MP for Eastern England, has welcomed this as "A victory for the consumer and for common sense".
Mr Duff added:
"Consumers across Europe will now have the choice to decide for themselves what sort of chocolate they want to buy.
"No-one disputes that Belgian chocolate is a wonderful luxury product, but no-one makes such a wide variety of chocolate bars in so many different shapes as the British, which is why more chocolate is eaten here than anywhere in Europe."
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