Indication of origin is hot

Take a good look at those packages with flags and cheerful country colours. They are going to disappear more and more. Why are they disappearing? Strict labelling rules require that a disclaimer be used if the primary ingredient comes from another country than suggested by the texts or symbols on the packaging. The actual country of origin must then also appear on the packaging, in the same field of vision.

And that is no easy task, because varying purchase prices or unsuccessful harvests mean that ingredients are often purchased in different countries. The rules came into force during Corona time on 1 April. Many questions of interpretation arise, such as what the primary ingredient is (this is where Customs legislation comes into play). What we do know: not only flags can be seen as symbols of origin; also characteristic buildings such as the Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower or our famous Dutch clogs and windmills. Because consumers will think that the product comes from that country.

Fortunately, registered trademarks with flags or recognisable buildings do not fall under the strict rules. What's more: all products that have now become generic names. The examples are numerous: French mustard, Gouda waffles, Frankfurter sausages.

The rules stipulate that the real country of origin must be depicted in the same field of vision. Are there a mill, clogs and a red/white/blue flag on the packaging? That makes 3 times a disclaimer ... We will have to see how the authorities will approach this.

The solution? Use the word 'recipe' or 'style' or 'impression'. Coffee beans according to an Italian recipe, 'yoghurt Greek style' or 'Asparagus soup in the Limburg style'. Various packaging has already been adapted in this way.

Ebba Hoogenraad made a helpful step-by-step plan and showed it during the VMT Food Law congress and at other presentations. A useful guide through the jungle of rules of origin. Because consumers like appealing packaging. Flags, country colours and symbols will certainly not disappear. Interested? Call or email Ebba.