As of today, new rules apply to meat products such as steaks and schnitzel. However, consumer advice centers also require further information for processed foods such as sausage or pizza.
From today on, certain meat products must be provided with a origin. This does not go far enough for consumer advice. Although they welcome the expansion of mandatory origin for meat in the supermarket, they require further steps.
Ramona Pop, head of the Federal Association, said that further gaps have to be closed: “Even with processed foods such as sausage or salami pizza, the origin of the meat should be marked,” said the consumer protection.
In addition, the consumer advice centers also call for origins for gastronomy, in canteens and restaurants. Consumers should be able to tell from the menu where the meat on their plate comes from.
Location advantage For the farmers
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has an expansion to the gastronomy in view. The coordination of a draft in the government is planned for spring, a spokesman said recently. Agricultural Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) also takes the view that the origin information could support consumers regional added value and also high environmental and animal welfare standards.
Is that so? Consumer advocate Pop said: “The labeling of origin can allow conclusions to be drawn about better husbandry and production conditions if animal, environmental and occupational safety standards are raised significantly in this country.” Then farmers would also have an actual locational advantage.
What applies from today
The background: From today on, for supermarkets, butchers, farm shops and weekly markets, expanded rules. The mandatory identification of origin is also extended on unpacked meat of pigs, sheep, goats and poultry, as a prescription from Özdemir’s Ministry specifies.
This applies to packaged goods, as well as to unpackaged beef. The country of rearing and slaughter must be indicated using small signs on the goods or on screens.
One example would be: “raised in: France. Slaughtered in: Germany”, as the ministry explained. If birth, rearing and slaughter were in a single country, it can be said “Origin: Germany”. If meat of the same origin is predominantly sold, a general note in the store is sufficient. So, for example, a clearly visible notice: “All of our pork in the counter comes from Germany.”