State animal husbandry labelling and indication of origin call for changes in meat labelling

In the near future, the food trade will be faced with two changes in the labelling of meat: firstly, the New state animal husbandry labelling and on the other hand a Extension of the indication of origin on meat that is not pre-packaged. The aim of these innovations is to create transparency for consumers with regard to the way animals are reared and their origin so that they can make informed purchasing decisions.

In this blog article, you will learn all about the Animal Husbandry Labelling Act - TierHaltKennzG for short - which came into force in August 2023. You can also read about relevant issues relating to the price labelling of meat products.

State animal husbandry labelling in accordance with the Animal Husbandry Labelling Act

State animal husbandry labelling is a new label specified by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and basically distinguishes between five types of husbandry. Initially, this labelling is only available for pre-packaged and non-pre-packaged Porkthat comes from animals kept, slaughtered and processed in Germany. However, the labelling obligation is to be extended in future to include processed products, catering and other animal species.

Until the year 2025, there will be two-year transition periodThe new law is based on the principle that the state animal husbandry labelling system can already be applied voluntarily - according to this, those affected in food retail and wholesale, at service counters, in specialist shops and online retailers must label meat accordingly. For pre-packaged food, the label must be placed in the main field of vision on the packaging. In the case of non-pre-packaged food, the labelling is carried out using a sign such as a counter card, which must be attached to the food itself or in the immediate vicinity - in this case, the meat may only be labelled with the name of the farming method.

Further information for users and a download centre can be found on the Website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Advantages of the Animal Husbandry Labelling Act (TierHaltKennzG)

• Creating transparency for consumers
• Conscious consumption through comprehensible labelling
• Long-term increase in animal welfare
• Establishment of mandatory state labelling for animal husbandry
• Improvement of legal regulations in animal welfare law
• Creation of a funding concept for the conversion of stables

Extension of the labelling of the origin of meat

In addition to mandatory state labelling of animal husbandry, an extension of the information on the origin of meat has been decreed. Information on the origin of pre-packaged beef, pork, sheep, goat and poultry meat is already mandatory on the packaging. From 11 February 2024 the origin must also for meat that is not pre-packaged of these animal species.

Unpackaged meat must always be labelled with the country in which the animal was reared and the country in which it was slaughtered (e.g.: Reared in: France / Slaughtered in: Germany). If the birth, rearing and slaughter of the animals can be proven to have taken place in a single country, the indication "Origin" may be used instead (e.g.: Origin: Germany). Other voluntary information on origin is also permitted - for example, the indication of a region.

Price labelling with PRESTIGEenterprise

With Online Software AG, you are prepared for the upcoming changes regarding government animal husbandry labelling and the expansion of origin labelling for meat. In the software PRESTIGEenterprise you have all the tools you need to adapt your printed and digital POS communication to the new requirements in meat labelling - the PRESTIGEenterprise Designer For example, you can easily integrate both the governmental husbandry labelling and the indication of origin on your counter cards. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch with us now Contact us.

Online Software AG is your competent partner for future changes in the price labelling of meat and meat products. With our POS marketing software we also offer you numerous effective options for advertising communication at the point of sale. We also support retailers with our efficient solutions in the following areas Digital signage and Electronic price tags.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions on the subject of state animal husbandry labelling

When did the Animal Husbandry Labelling Act (TierHaltKennzG) come into force and what stages are planned?

The Animal Husbandry Labelling Act came into force on 24 August 2023. There is initially a two-year transitional period until 2025. This gives retailers the option of voluntary labelling in accordance with the state livestock labelling on. At the end of this stage, state animal husbandry labelling will become mandatory. Then, by law, the entire trade - i.e. food retailers and wholesalers - must label pork, beef, poultry etc. accordingly. This provides the consumer with a transparent product.

What does the labelling mean organic exactly?

In order for meat to be classified as organic in accordance with the Animal Husbandry Labelling Act (TierHaltKennzG), it must meet the following requirements Requirements of the EU Organic Regulation correspond. These include, among others:

• at least 95 % of the basic ingredients come from organic farming
• Only organically produced feed
• more space or exercise than in conventional animal husbandry
• No antibiotics, growth or performance hormones
• No genetic engineering
• No tethering
• No colourings or flavour enhancers
• No artificial or nature-identical flavours
• No stabilisers

The form of husbandry Organic in accordance with the state animal husbandry labelling system aims to label the healthiest possible meat (such as beef, pork or poultry) and at the same time ensure greater animal welfare.