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Change is COOL: Online petition for meat origin labelling gains momentum in France

Launched one week ago on the website Change.org, the petition was created by French consumer watchdog UFC-Que Choisir; the National Federation of Agricultural Holders’ Union (FNSEA); Coop de France which represents the interests of French agricultural cooperatives and an agricultural youth union, Jeunes Agriculteurs.

To date it has attracted 7,775 signatures.

The petition reads: “At a time when consumers are more and more calling for knowing the origin of the products they consume, more than 1 OUT OF 2 processed products still do not mention the country of origin of the meat they contain. Consumers want clear information on the origin of products. Farmers and cooperatives are also willing to make the origin of their products more visible.

“Together, we call on the European Commission to adopt without delay a regulation allowing the consumers to know the origin of the meat in processed products, as it is already the case for raw meat. Because this measure is essential to enhance transparency of supply and improve traceability, join us in calling: "Yes, I want to know where my meat comes from!"

French agriculture minister Stéphane le Foll said earlier this month he intended to put forward a bill to ense origin labelling for processed products in France, in line with demands being made by MEP's at an EU level.

 

You can read the full article HERE

 

Food Labelling Services comments:

Country of origin labelling is mandatory under the Food Information for Consumers regulation for primary meat products and minced meat. However, there has been debate across Europe on labelling the country of origin for processed products, and France took the lead with this voluntary action. The decision rests with the European Commission to decide whether to make this mandatory or not.