As of: February 2, 2024, 5:19 a.m
By: Julia Hanigk
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From February onwards, meat purchases will become more transparent.
A new labeling requirement in Germany ensures clarity about the origin of meat.
Munich – Since February 1st, a new labeling requirement for the country of origin of meat has been in effect in Germany.
Until now, corresponding seals and labels were mainly available for pre-packaged goods in the refrigerated shelf.
Now consumers should also be informed about this when shopping at the fresh food counter.
More transparency by specifying the country of origin for meat
The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture recently presented a study that shows that 82 percent of those surveyed consider an indication of origin on products to be important or very important.
This consumer request is now legally regulated by a corresponding regulation from Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir.
Initially, an EU-wide regulation was even considered, but now it applies at least in Germany.
What will change for consumers:
Labeling for unpackaged meat from pigs, sheep, goats and poultry (it already applies to packaged goods and beef)
Indication of the country of rearing and slaughter on the goods or on screens
If meat is predominantly sold from the same country, a general note in the store is sufficient
Consumer advice centers also demand indications of origin for restaurants and canteens
The consumer advice centers welcome the expansion of the labeling requirement, but they still see a need for improvement.
In her opinion, canteens and restaurants should also indicate the country of origin, as is already the case in France, for example.
Ramona Pop, the head of the Federal Association of Consumer Advice Centers, commented on this as follows: “The origin of the meat should also be labeled for processed foods such as sausage or salami pizza.”
Things are now becoming more transparent for customers at the meat counter.
(Symbolic image) © Jan Woitas/dpa
She suggests including the indication of origin in the menu.
A consultation on such a proposal is planned for the spring, as a spokesman recently announced.
However, consumer advocate Pop also warns: “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.”
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The husbandry form seal is also changing: five instead of four levels
Since 2019, consumers have been familiar with the labeling of how animals are kept.
The meat is classified with a number from 1 to 4.
Changes are also planned here.
In order to meet the ever-increasing requirements, a separate level five for organic is being introduced.
Özdemir commented on this at the Green Week agricultural trade fair in Berlin: “This makes it easier for consumers that there are five uniform levels.”
From 2025, a state logo with five categories will be mandatory for domestic products.
It will initially be introduced to the trade with pork and then expanded to other products.
In the future, two labels will be used to make it easier for customers to choose the right product.
Meanwhile, studies and statistics show that Germans are consuming less and less meat overall - and when they do, they are consuming it more consciously.
(jh/dpa)
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