France Implements New Meat Origin Labeling to Enhance Consumer Information
On February 18, 2025, the French Ministry of Economy and Finance announced a new regulation requiring the clear labeling of meat origin on all pre-packaged and served meat products. This measure aims to strengthen consumer awareness and empower them to make informed choices.
Obligatory Display of Meat Origin
Beginning July 1, 2025, food businesses will be legally obligated to display the country of origin for all fresh, frozen, chilled, and processed meat products. This information must be prominently displayed on the product packaging or menu, ensuring easy visibility for consumers.
Applicable Products
The regulation applies to a wide range of meat products, including:
- Beef
- Pork
- Poultry
- Mutton
- Venison
- Charcuterie
- Processed meats
Multiple Origins
In cases where meat is sourced from multiple countries, the label must indicate the origin of each component. For example, a ground beef product containing 50% French beef and 50% Irish beef would be labeled as “Origin: France, Ireland.”
Enforcement and Compliance
The French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) will be responsible for enforcing the regulation. Non-compliance with the labeling requirement may result in penalties and fines.
Consumer Benefits
The new labeling requirement provides consumers with the following benefits:
- Increased transparency and traceability in the meat supply chain
- Informed purchasing decisions based on origin preferences
- Support for local producers and farmers
- Reduced potential for food fraud and misrepresentation
Industry Impact
The regulation is expected to have a positive impact on the meat industry by promoting fair competition and encouraging responsible sourcing practices. It also aligns with consumer demand for greater transparency and accountability in food production.
Conclusion
The French government’s initiative to implement mandatory meat origin labeling represents a significant step towards empowering consumers and strengthening consumer confidence in the food supply chain. By providing clear and easily accessible information, this regulation enables consumers to make informed choices based on their values and preferences.
Origin of meats: a new display obligation to inform the consumer
The AI has provided us with the news.
I asked Google Gemini the following question.
economie.gouv.fr a new article on 2025-02-18 17:30 titled “Origine des viandes : une nouvelle obligation d’affichage pour informer le consommateur”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
2