The EU issued an interpretative notice on origin labelling for products made in territories occupied by Israel since 1967 such as the West Bank, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem, that it considers to be in violation of international law. Fresh fruit and vegetables, wine, honey, olive oil, eggs, poultry, organic products and cosmetics produced in these areas by Israeli settlers must say, for instance, ‘Product from the West Bank (Israeli settlement)'. Processed foods are exempt from the regulation. The EU's View The EU has said that the decision, which comes after a three year delay, was a technical step but this was dismissed as “baseless and cynical” by Israel which withdrew its ambassador to the EU, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, in protest. The notice does not bring into force any new legislative rules, but rather reflect the Commission’s understanding of current legislation. “There is indeed a demand for clarity from consumers, economic operators and national authorities about existing Union legislation on origin information of products from Israeli-occupied territories,” it said. The EU has said that clear labelling will help consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

 

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Food Labelling Services Comments:

The country of origin labelling of food is mandatory under certain criteria, as stipulated in the Food Information Regulations. Products from Israeli settlements are now included in the mandatory country of origin labelling. Advice can be sought from Food Labelling Services