Brussels, 22/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), which is staunchly in favour of the obligatory labelling of the origin of foods, expressed its disappointment, on Thursday 21 May, at the two detailed reports of the European Commission, both of which concluded that the optional origin labelling for dairy products and certain so-called “minor” meat products is the most appropriate solution, given the costs for obligatory country of origin labelling (see EUROPE 11318).
The BEUC states that the Commission has already decided to allow the industry to label on a voluntary basis, despite the rights and aspirations of consumers.
“The data [of a Special Eurobarometer] shows that 84% of Europeans want to know the origin of their milk, whether sold as such or as part of the dairy product. More than three quarters of consumers want to see information on where the milk was transformed into dairy products and almost as many (68%) want to know whether milking was done. We expect the EU to deliver for consumers by allowing them to make informed decisions when it comes to food origin. The Commission's preference to leave the industry to voluntarily label origins is a blow for consumers' right to know where our food comes from”, said Monique Goyens, director general of BEUC. She went on to stress that her organisation would study the two reports in detail, but “one can be forgiven for wondering as to the point of the exercises”, she said.
BEUC criticises the fact that the Commission has not yet responded to the European Parliament's call for obligatory origin labelling on processed meat (see EUROPE 11251). “Such silence does not augur well for the other foods targeted in these two reports”, said Monique Goyens. (Aminata Niang)