The European Parliament wants to make it compulsory to display the origin of meat and milk used in processed foods. Objective, restore confidence to citizens.
The European Parliament voted in favor of transparency. The Food Safety Committee has adopted a motion for a resolution in favor of labeling that indicates the country of origin of meat and milk used in processed foods. Until now, only fresh, frozen or frozen meat was subject to this requirement. The text will be presented in plenary session in April or May at the Strasbourg hemicycle (Bas-Rhin).
Supportive citizens
The resolution adopted by MEPs stems directly from the horse meat lasagna scandal, which erupted in 2013. Showing more clearly the origin of meat products has three objectives, according to a statement from Parliament: to maintain consumer confidence in ensuring greater transparency, combating fraud and preserving employment in a sector in crisis.
In fact, the vast majority of European citizens are in favor of such a measure. 84% of those polled for the 2013 Eurobarometer said that the origin of the milk must be indicated. 88% thought the same for meat and 90% for processed foods. An obvious plebiscite.
French voluntary brands
But the European Commission is not of the same opinion. She is rather in favor of an optional measure. It considers that compulsory labeling could have deleterious effects on trade between the European Union and other countries and that it would generate additional costs for consumers.
On the French side, some producers have all the same decided to show a white leg. A survey carried out in January 2016 showed that half of processed products mention the origin of the meat. While some major brands are seen as donkey caps, private labels are very cooperative.
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