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A recently published study by Eurostat on the price levels of food within the EU revealed big price differences between the Member States. Although Austria is among the countries, where an above-average price has to be paid for bread, meat or fish, there are also consumer goods, which are below EU average. Further news about food: last week, Dacian Ciolos, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, announced the introduction of a new EU logo as of 1st July 2010, which is obligatory for all packed organic products.

Austria is one of the EU countries with the highest food prices. The prices are on average about 17 percent above EU level. Only Luxembourg, Finland, Ireland and Denmark pay more for bread, meat, fish and milk products. Interesting detail: whilst Austria's meat and bread prices are even 26 resp. 28 percent above average, milk products are comparatively inexpensive. The Alpine country is exactly in the middle; 13 EU countries sell milk and yoghurt at prices, which are up to 37 percent higher.

The results for alcohol and tobacco, however, are a surprise: here, Austria is 5 resp. 3 percent below EU average. The price level for these products in countries, such as Denmark, Finland or Great Britain, lies up to 70 percent above EU average.

There is also news with regard to organic food: last week, Dacian Ciolos, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development declared that a new obligatory EU organic logo would be introduced for all packed food as of 1st July. Concerning non-packaged and imported organic products, this logo may be used on a voluntary basis. National, private or regional logos may also in future be attached to products. The new labelling regulation also includes details of a product's place of origin. The Agricultural Commissioner, however, commented that economic operators would have a transitional period of two years to meet the requirements of the new regulations.