As of: February 2, 2024, 5:18 a.m
By: Julia Hanigk
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Fresh meat products will be sold with new labeling from February.
It is mandatory to indicate the country of origin of the animals.
Munich – Anyone who chooses pre-packaged meat at the refrigerated counter can make a conscious decision using various labels and seals.
Until now, with the exception of beef, there have been fewer options for orientation at the deli counter.
It was often not clear where the meat came from.
This will change in Germany from February 1st with mandatory labeling of the country of origin of the meat.
Study on designation of origin shows: Transparency is important to consumers when buying meat
Only recently, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture presented its own study, which shows that 82 percent of those surveyed consider an indication of origin on products to be important or very important.
Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir responded to this with a corresponding regulation.
At first there was even discussion about an EU-wide regulation, but now it applies throughout Germany.
It helps customers to shop more transparently at the deli counter and for all types of meat.
This is changing 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
Charging is just the beginning – will mandatory labeling soon also be required in restaurants and canteens?
Consumer advice centers in particular welcome the expansion of the obligation.
But for them it doesn't go far enough.
If they have their way, canteens and restaurants should also advertise the country of origin.
This already applies in France, for example.
The head of the consumer association of the federal association, Ramona Pop, said: “The origin of the meat should also be labeled for processed foods such as sausage or salami pizza.”
She recommends mentioning it in the menu.
A consultation on such a draft is scheduled for the spring, as a spokesman recently said.
But 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.”
New regulations are intended to make it easier for customers to choose meat.
(Symbolic image) © IMAGO/Martin Wagner
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The husbandry form seal is expanded from four to five levels
Since 2019, consumers have also been aware of the label indicating how animals are kept.
So far, the meat has been classified with a number from one to four.
There should be changes here too.
In order to better meet the ever-growing requirements, a separate level five for organic is to be created.
“This makes it easier for consumers that there are five uniform levels,” said Özdemir at the Green Week agricultural trade fair in Berlin.
A five-category system also has the state logo, which according to the law will become mandatory for domestic products in 2025.
It will initially start with pork in the trade and then be expanded further.
In the future, two labels will be used to make it easier for customers to choose the product that is right for them.
Meanwhile, studies and figures show that Germans are eating less and less meat overall - and when they do, they eat it more consciously.
(jh with dpa)