Recent news stories about food fraud and the horse meat scandal have demonstrated it, consumers want maximum transparency concerning the origin of raw materials, also of processed foods. That is why MEP’s have asked the European Commission to present legislative proposals with a view to making it compulsory to also indicate the origin of the meat of processed foods, as is already the case for fresh beef.
The resolution, adopted with 460 votes in favour, 204 against and 33 abstentions, urges the Commission to act on the report drawn up in 2013 with legislative proposals to make it compulsory to indicate the country of origin of the meat used in processed foods, in order to ensure greater transparency in the entire food chain and better inform European consumers in order to help regain their confidence.
“Today we must regain the confidence of European consumers who, also as a result of food frauds (… ) are calling for tougher rules on traceability and information – said the Chairman of the Environment Committee, Giovanni La Via -. The legislation must take account of the transparency and legibility of consumer information, while at the same time allowing European companies to operate in an economically viable manner.
9 consumers out of 10 are calling for it
In fact the European Commission survey (12/17/2013) shows that more than 90% of respondents consider it important that the origin of the meat is labelled on processed foods. The question, moreover, is far from being “niche” and covers a large number of food products. Depending on the Member State, 30-50% of meat slaughtered is transformed into meat-based ingredients for food, mainly minced meat, meat preparations and meat products.
