In order to promote consumer awareness, the country of production of food products should be indicated at food outlets. This is determined by the changes to the law supported in the third (final) reading in the Saeima on Thursday, which will enter into force the day after the announcement.
The press service of the Saeima states that the country of production of the product can be indicated in writing or with an image of the relevant country’s flag. If the food product will be produced in Russia or Belarus, the information will be indicated only in writing. The Cabinet of Ministers will determine the criteria for identifying the country in which the product was produced, for the design and placement of the requirements. It is also intended to establish exceptions when placing signs is not mandatory. The new requirements will be effective from September 1.
Members of the National Economy, Agrarian, Environmental and Regional Policy Commission, which is responsible for the progress of the bill in the Saeima, previously emphasized that the amendments will make it easier to distinguish local products and easily determine where the specific product is produced, as well as reduce the chances of misleading the buyer. Deputies pointed out that Russian and Belarusian products are still available in some retail outlets.
Failure to indicate the country of production of a product at a food outlet may result in a warning or a fine: up to 250 euros for a natural person, and up to 1,000 euros for a legal entity.
Until now, it was stipulated that the country of origin should be indicated only for certain food groups, such as meat, fresh fruit and vegetables.
