Origin labelling of milk

Question for written answer  E-001494/2021/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Emmanuel Maurel (The Left)

On an experimental basis, the French Government introduced a requirement for the origin of milk to be indicated on bottles, as well as on the packaging of processed products containing milk. Lactalis, a major agri-food corporation, took the matter to the Conseil d’État, the highest court in the French legal system, which – on the basis of the Court of Justice ruling in case C-485/18 concerning the interpretation of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 – ordered that the requirement be lifted. This is at odds with the expectations of French farmers and citizens. For consumers to know the origin of the milk they consume it is not sufficient for there to be strong demand; the link between its geographic origin and its quality must also be 'objectively’ proven .

• 1.Citizens’ expectations relate not only to the quality, but also to the transparency of products consumed. How does the Commission intend to respond to this growing area of concern?
• 2.Given this setback, what technical means will be made available to citizens so that they can get involved in sustainable and local consumption?