Meat Origin: New Labeling Requirement to Inform Consumers
February 18, 2025
The French Ministry of Economy and Finance has announced a new mandatory labeling requirement for meat products sold in France, effective immediately. This measure aims to enhance consumer transparency and provide them with accurate information about the origin of the meat they purchase.
Obligation to Display Origin
All prepackaged meat products, including fresh, frozen, and processed meats, must now clearly display the origin of the meat used. This includes:
- The country where the animal was raised
- The country where the animal was slaughtered
- The country where the meat was cut and packaged
Purpose of the Requirement
The new labeling requirement is intended to:
- Empower consumers to make informed choices about the meat they consume
- Promote transparency in the meat supply chain
- Support local producers and businesses
- Combat fraud and mislabeling
Implementation and Compliance
Businesses and retailers must ensure that the origin of the meat is prominently displayed on all packaging. The information must be easily visible and legible to consumers.
The French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) will be responsible for enforcing the regulation and verifying compliance. Penalties for non-compliance will be implemented to ensure adherence.
Impact on Consumers
This new labeling requirement empowers consumers with valuable information about the meat they buy. It enables them to:
- Choose products from specific regions or countries
- Support local or sustainable agriculture
- Avoid meat from countries with questionable production practices
- Make healthier and more informed dietary choices
Industry Reaction
The meat industry has generally welcomed the new labeling requirement. They recognize the importance of providing consumers with transparency and believe it will ultimately benefit both the industry and consumers.
Some industry representatives have expressed concerns about the potential for increased costs associated with implementing the new labeling system. However, they are committed to complying with the regulation and working with retailers to ensure a smooth transition.
Conclusion
The new mandatory labeling requirement for meat products in France is a significant step towards enhancing consumer transparency and promoting informed decision-making. This measure aligns with the increasing demand for transparency and sustainability in the food industry and empowers consumers to make choices that align with their values and dietary 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.
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