Meat used as an ingredient in processed foods, such as lasagne, should be labeled by country of origin as is already the case of bovine fresh meat, in order to ensure more transparency throughout the food chain, better inform European consumers and thus rebuild their confidence. The resolution passed by 460 votes to 204 with 33 abstentions. “After the horse meat scandal, it now up to us to regain consumer’s trust. We are asking the Commission to come up with a legislative proposal.” said Environment Committee chair Giovanni La Via. “We must nonetheless ensure that this does not lead to additional burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises, of which there are many in this sector” he added. The EU processing industry represents more than 13,000 companies, it is characterized by a low degree concentration, with the majority of companies being small-and-medium size enterprises (SME’s 90%). It employs about 350,000 people and represents a turnover of 85 billion euros.
Maurizio Martina, the Italian Agriculture Minister, comments: “European consumers call for clear and complete information, this decision of European Commission seeks for this way. A positive statement which helps to enhance transparency in the wake of the horse meat scandal and others food fraud case. It is now up to us to regain consumer’s trust. Italy will provide support to the European Commission decision by encouraging to put in evidence origin labelling.”.
