Welfare is not an issue to French

1 June 2001




Welfare is not an issue to French

FRENCH consumers place a high value on taste, but animal welfare is not a major concern. This is reflected in a complex system of product labelling with strict requirements placed on production systems for quality markets.

About 26% of French food expenditure is on meat, with consumers eating 80-100kg/head a year, according to Maryline Kouba of the Rennes School of Agriculture. "French consumers are ready to pay a higher price if they consider food quality to be better for health and the environment.

"However, animal welfare is not a major concern to the French consumer."

There are several different recognised labels in France which require carefully controlled husbandry methods. Label Rouge is one of the most famous and was established in 1960, she said.

"Label Rouge means a foodstuff has fixed characteristics ensuring higher quality, particularly in taste terms. Specific growing and handling practices are defined for each animal product. In the case of chickens, they must be a minimum of 81 days old at slaughter to qualify."

"There are 423 Label Rouge products, of which 236 are for poultry and 44 for beef, pork and mutton." &#42

French consumers place a high value on taste, says Maryline Kouba.

French consumers place a high value on taste, says Maryline Kouba.


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