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Consumer protection at risk: butcher shops avoid labeling requirements
The consumer advice center criticizes: EU rules for meat labeling are massively disregarded. Experts warn against confusion and inaccurate information. A serious appeal to consumers! #Consumer protection #Meat labeling #EU regulations
Consumer protection at risk: butcher shops avoid labeling requirements
It was only seven weeks ago that the labeling requirement for unpackaged meat was introduced. But it seems to be failing due to implementation. The new labeling requirement for unpackaged meat at meat counters should guarantee transparency for customers. The regulation has been in force in the EU since February 1, 2024. However, a sample from the Baden-Württemberg consumer advice center has now shown that this obligation is not being implemented in butcher shops as intended.
The sample consisted of three butcher shops and five supermarkets in Baden-Württemberg and delivered a sobering result: According to Vanessa Schifano, head of the food and nutrition department at the consumer advice center, the designation of origin was completely missing from all butcher shops. According to the report, the information at the fresh produce counters in the supermarket was incomplete.
Sellers are actually obliged to indicate the country in which the animals were raised and slaughtered for unpackaged pork, sheep, goat and poultry meat. This should be visible on small signs or screens near the goods. But in the supermarkets either only a few products were labeled or there was only one country listed on the products.
Schifano criticizes the incorrect implementation of the labeling requirement and emphasizes that this misleads consumers rather than ensuring transparency. Another problem is the inaccuracy of the mandatory information, as only the country of rearing and slaughtering has to be stated, which can lead to long transport routes.
The consumer advice center is calling on people to report violations of the new labeling requirement for unpackaged meat. She also generally recommends consuming less meat to save money.