On 30 March, the European Commission published a report which helps to gather evidence that could support any potential initiative on animal welfare labelling in the European Union.
“The study findings showed that there was a clear demand from consumers for more information on this topic, as well as some confusion being caused by the presence of multiple labels on the market”, according to the report.
The authors identify current challenges, such as the distortion of competition between EU operators, the functioning of the internal market and a potential ‘renationalisation’ of markets. The study shows that, as part of the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy, the Commission “could add value to the EU by considering animal welfare labelling to better transmit value through the food chain”. There is a clear need to simplify the current situation where different labelling schemes co-exist at EU level.
The European Parliament has called for a harmonised and binding EU framework with common requirements for voluntary animal welfare labelling.
The Commission is due to present a proposal by the end of 2023 to revise animal welfare legislation on the transport and slaughter of animals.
Link to the study: https://aeur.eu/f/179 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)