February 8, 2022

France's origin of meat labeling law to come into force in March

The labeling of the origin of meat served in restaurants and by catering services in France  will become mandatory on March 1, 2022.

Following a procedure that required the approval of the European Commission and an important legislative work finalised in the Egalim2 law of October 2021, France published a decree to reinforce the indications of origin of meat in restaurants.

Thus, as of March 1, the origin of meat (pork, poultry, lamb and sheep) served by all catering services in cafeterias, restaurants and restaurants will have to be indicated, as has been the case for beef since 2002.

The labeling of the origin of the meat must mention the country in which the animal was raised and the country of slaughter, whether for fresh, refrigerated, frozen, or deep-frozen meat. This information on the origin of meat was already provided to consumers in supermarkets and butcher's shops, but not in restaurants.

The new requirement takes into account strong consumer demand for transparency and traceability regarding the origin of meat products.

With the publication of this decree, the French government is responding to a request to provide more information so that consumers can make informed choices about the food they consume.

- Ministry of Agriculture and Food/ France.