The petition, created by UFC-Que Choisir, the FNSEA and the Young Farmers Coop de France, hopes to create more transparency in the food chain following a UFC-Que Choisir survey which found that more than one out of every two (54%) processed meat products does not mention a country of origin on it.
Their goal is “to increase pressure on the European Union by launching an online petition open to all for mandatory labelling of the origin of meat”.
The petition states: “Consumers want clear information on the origin of products offered to them. Agricultural producers and cooperatives also have the will to better know the origin of their products. It is fair that we have to give information to consumers.
“Together, we are asking the Commission without delay adoption of regulations allowing consumers to know the origin of the meat in processed products, like raw meat.
“Because this measure is essential to enhance transparency in procurement and improve traceability, tell us, "Yes, I want to know where my meat!”
Citing the impact of the horsemeat scandal, Alain Bazot, president of the UFC-Que Choisir, said: The laxity of European authorities towards a regulation in this area is unacceptable. No serious argument can rise to prevent the introduction of this measure.
“It is high time that the European institutions take off their blinders and finally galloped forward on a measure demanded by today 70% of European consumers.”