The government responded to a demand from French breeders by requiring restaurants and canteens to indicate the origin of the meat they use in processed products, as stipulated in a decree published in the Official Journal. This measure, which is now in force, concerns both traditional establishments and those offering take-out or delivery, including “dark kitchens”. It applies to “purchased meat already prepared or cooked” from cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry.
Another decree, which must be extended, regulates the labeling of meat purchased raw from these same species. The decree on processed products comes from the Egalim 2 law, which aims to protect farmers' income, according to the text, published after the Agricultural Show, marked by the anger of farmers.
The government announced on this occasion a plan to “reconquer our sovereignty over livestock”, which included this obligation to display the origin of processed products. The text provides that the restaurateur “informs consumers of the origin or provenance of meats used as ingredients in meat preparations and meat products supplied to him, when he becomes aware of them in application of a national or European Union regulation” in a “visible, legible and distinct” manner.
If the animal was born, raised and slaughtered in the same country, the “origin” is displayed. Otherwise, a distinction is made between “born and raised” and “slaughtered”. Under certain conditions, the country name can be replaced by “EU” or “non-EU”. Finally, let us specify that any breach “is punishable by a fine of between 1500 and 7500 euros”.
 Frank Verain
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06/03/2024 | 
