Country of Origin - The Importance for Consumers

• Published in: European food and feed law review 2020-01, Vol.14 (6), p.528-532
• Main Authors: Knežević, Nada, Grbavac, Slavka, Palfi, Marina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1862-2720; 2190-8214

Country of Origin Information is a significant external information sign for consumers' perception and assessment of a food product. According to European regulations, the indication of the country of origin or place of provenance of the food is obligatory, where its omission could mislead the consumer of true country of origin or place of provenance. The indication of origin is currently mandatory for some food groups, such as beef and beef products, honey, fruit and vegetables, fish and olive oil, and additionally when food declaration contains statements, pictures, terms or symbols of some specific country. The country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient must be indicated when it is different from the country of origin of the final product. A new EU regulation, which enters into force in April 2020, prescribes the manner of declarations of the primary ingredient origin. Voluntary indications, such as geographical labeling included in or accompanying the name of the food, may also be part of product designations protected as geographical indications, according to specific EU legislation. Origin labelling of food should additionally help consumers to make decisions about buying quality and safety food products in the future.