EC rejects mandatory country of origin labelling for milk and dairy products

The report, published yesterday, concluded mandatory origin labelling for milk, milk used as an ingredient in dairy products, and minor meats (horse meat, rabbit meat and game meat) would put an "additional burden"​ on regulators.

"Mandatory origin labelling would entail higher regulatory burden for most of the products assessed in the report and therefore, the question at stake is to assess whether the balance between costs and benefits is such that it would justify its mandatory indication,"​ the report concluded.

Voluntary origin labelling would, meanwhile, "be a suitable option without imposing additional burden on the industry and the authorities."​

Voluntary and mandatory origin labelling were evaluated in nine European Union (EU) Member States for drinking milk and products using milk as an ingredient, such as cheese and yogurt.

The study, carried out by an independent consultant on behalf of the EC, also found that while consumers are interested in the origin of milk and dairy products they are "not willing to pay more for the additional information."​

"The report therefore suggest that the existing options for voluntary labelling could address some consumer demands while retaining flexibility for Member States and food operators,"​ an EC bulletin reads.​

Mixed response

EU dairy industry response to the EC report, which will passed on to the European Council and Parliament, has been mixed.

The European Dairy Association (EDA) welcomed the report's conclusion, agreeing origin labelling for milk and dairy products needs "to remain voluntary."​

"...mandatory labelling of any origin, be it of the 'place of milking' or any step of the production process could prove to be exceedingly burdensome and costly; the additional incurred costs could have an impact on the cost of food for consumers, and may reduce farmer's revenue."​

"EDA now looks forward to both European Parliament and Council having a reasoned exchange and to accept the conclusions of the report of the Commission and the underlying study, as demanded by the co-legislators."​

Judith Bryans, CEO, Dairy UK, said she, however, was "disappointed"​ by the report's conclusion.

“There is obvious consumer demand for clearer information on the country of origin of food products as illustrated by the existing rules for fresh meat within the Food Information to Consumers Regulation,"​ Bryans said. "Therefore, it makes sense to take the next step and introduce these requirements for milk and milk used as an ingredient in dairy products.”​

“A mandatory labelling system would help the UK dairy industry showcase its products and reassure consumers on their provenance. Our milk, our cheese, our yogurts and all our great British dairy products are a staple of the UK diet and we should be proud of what we produce,"​ she added.