Multinational companies sell inferior quality foodstuffs to EU poorer member states

Slovak authorities have established that supermarkets sell citizens of Slovakia sausages, chocolate and soft drinks, which are of poorer quality than their counterparts available in Austria, Germany, France and other countries of the European Union.

Recently, Slovakia's Agriculture Ministry presented results of laboratory tests showing half of 22 food products bought in Bratislava differed in taste, looks and composition from equivalents purchased in two Austrian towns across the border. In particular, sausages contained less meat and more fats and water, chocolates and yogurts have less cacao and proteins respectively, not to mention that spices, teas and other foodstuffs had a higher artificial sweeteners content, many artificial preservatives and a lower weight. According to Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, it is unacceptable that multinational companies sell the foodstuffs on East European markets, which are inferior to their counterparts available at Western stores.

At the same time, Bulgarian specialized laboratories are analyzing the identity of foodstuffs sold in the EU and Bulgaria. If any deviations are detected, sanctions will be applied against suppliers. In addition, Sofia will insist that the EU should introduce uniform standards for all member countries and punish those who divide Europeans into first-class and second-class people, thereby humiliating citizens of poorer member states.

Rather than unity in Europe, we see a continued process of the West humiliating the poorer nations. This is hardly a formula for development and economic growth.