EU Health Commissioner, Vytenis Andriukatis, has allowed a French initiative on origin labelling to go ahead on an experimental basis. Framed as a trial over a limited period, the EU Health Commissioner raised no objections to the French decree, despite significant implications for the operation of the EU’s Single Market. The measure is expected to run from January 2017 to the end of 2019, and requires on a mandatory basis, French processors to label the origin of milk used in their products. The Italian Government has also notified the Commission of a similar initiative, which it intends to introduce.

In May, the European Parliament adopted a non-binding report calling for the introduction of mandatory country of origin labelling for dairy products. ICOS believes that a balance is needed between providing information to consumers and adding unnecessary costs. This balance, we believe is provided for by a voluntary system.

By Eamonn Farrell

Agri-Food Policy Executive