Press Release: Commission welcomes compulsory beef labelling rules

The Commission welcomed on the 18 July 2000 the decision of the Council which paves the way for EU-wide compulsory beef labelling rules from September 1, 2000 on. Commenting on the new rules, Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, declared: “This decision marks an important step in enabling full traceability of cattle in the EU from the stable to the table. The Commission will ensure that the application of the beef labelling system is consistent with the principles of the single market.” The new provisions will apply in two stages: the first stage, to enter into force on September 1, 2000, introduces those elements which are readily available at the point of slaughter. For the second stage to apply from January 1, 2002 - the beef label will have to include in addition precise information about where the animal was born and reared