French consumer affairs authorities criticize butter producers’ regulatory knowledge after an investigation reveals discrepancies in butter quality and labelling. France, the second-largest EU butter producer, faces scrutiny as nearly 30% of establishments breach regulations, including low salt levels and high-water content.
A comprehensive 2019 investigation by France’s DGCCRF in dairy farming regions exposed issues such as mislabelled ‘semi-salted’ claims, with some samples lacking necessary salt. Additionally, 15% of samples exceeded EU-mandated water content in butter. The investigation found misleading claims, like ‘AOP’ quality signs or ‘farmer’ labels, without proper certification.
Some producers practiced ‘re-mixing,’ melting excess or returned butter to create new batches, while others mislabelled products as cream-containing when whey or mixtures were used. DGCCRF issued 30 warning notices, mainly for excessive water use and labelling discrepancies, and seven ‘return to compliance’ notices.
The survey revealed non-compliance among agricultural producers and industrialists, with a focus on butter labelling and composition. Many farms showed a lack of regulatory knowledge and poorly controlled manufacturing processes. The investigation aimed to educate farmers on regulatory obligations rather than fraud.
In response, DGCCRF issued warnings and notices, emphasizing regulatory education. The French wholesale butter price recovered in 2023 but remained elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. Amid concerns about retail food prices, the French economy minister pledged cuts on butter, oil, and meats to lower inflation.
The minister accelerated annual negotiations between retailers and suppliers, aiming to conclude talks by January 31, 2024. France, experiencing a 17.9% food inflation rate between January 2022 and August 2023, faces higher rates than Spain, the UK, and Germany. The government addresses these concerns by pledging to cut retail butter prices and implementing measures to alleviate rising food prices.
A comprehensive 2019 investigation by France’s DGCCRF in dairy farming regions exposed issues such as mislabelled ‘semi-salted’ claims, with some samples lacking necessary salt. Additionally, 15% of samples exceeded EU-mandated water content in butter. The investigation found misleading claims, like ‘AOP’ quality signs or ‘farmer’ labels, without proper certification.
Some producers practiced ‘re-mixing,’ melting excess or returned butter to create new batches, while others mislabelled products as cream-containing when whey or mixtures were used. DGCCRF issued 30 warning notices, mainly for excessive water use and labelling discrepancies, and seven ‘return to compliance’ notices.
The survey revealed non-compliance among agricultural producers and industrialists, with a focus on butter labelling and composition. Many farms showed a lack of regulatory knowledge and poorly controlled manufacturing processes. The investigation aimed to educate farmers on regulatory obligations rather than fraud.
In response, DGCCRF issued warnings and notices, emphasizing regulatory education. The French wholesale butter price recovered in 2023 but remained elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. Amid concerns about retail food prices, the French economy minister pledged cuts on butter, oil, and meats to lower inflation.
The minister accelerated annual negotiations between retailers and suppliers, aiming to conclude talks by January 31, 2024. France, experiencing a 17.9% food inflation rate between January 2022 and August 2023, faces higher rates than Spain, the UK, and Germany. The government addresses these concerns by pledging to cut retail butter prices and implementing measures to alleviate rising food prices.