2 - Food origin labelling legislation and standards

Among the main drivers of developing methods to determine origin are checking and enforcement of mandatory labelling rules on country of origin, methods of production and named species. These rules and standards have been increasing as consumers require more information on the origin of their food. The chapter outlines the international rules defining origin and protecting named origin, as well as international standards in which country of origin is a requirement. In the European Union, a considerable number of Community rules require origin labelling especially for meat and seafood, but also for honey, wines and olive oil. Other countries including the USA and Australia have also brought in mandatory country of origin labelling on particular foods.