Origin of bread and co. must now be declared at the point of sale
Published: Thursday, Feb 1st 2024, 04:40
Updated At: Thursday, Feb 1st 2024, 04:41
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From (today) Thursday, the origin of Berliners, croissants and bread in general must be declared in writing in Swiss bakeries, restaurants and retail outlets. This should make it easier for consumers to recognize where their bread and baked goods have been produced.
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) announced in December that the country of production must now be stated in writing instead of just verbally. "Every adjustment involves additional work, but in this specific case it is also in our interest," said Urs Wellauer, Director of the Swiss Association of Master Bakers and Confectioners (SBC), when asked by the Keystone-SDA news agency.
This would give consumers clarity about the origin of the product, especially in light of the massive increase in baked goods imports in recent years. Another advantage is that all retailers will have to declare the origin of the bread in future.
The transitional period for implementing the new rule will expire on January 31, 2025. The SBC is currently in the process of implementing the new requirement - with the help of a notice for sales outlets. "This is easy for us to implement, as our companies only produce in Switzerland," says the SBC Director.
Food waste and substances in tattoo inks
A total of 25 ordinances were amended in connection with the revision of the Foodstuffs Act. The Federal Council announced in December last year that this would strengthen health and fraud protection and keep Swiss legislation at the same level as in the EU.
In addition to the declaration of origin for bread and baked goods, this also includes new rules for avoiding food waste. According to the Federal Council, manufacturers and retailers now have clear guidelines on the measures they must take before they can donate or pass on food.
The federal government is also introducing a maximum level for residues of Pfas chemicals in food. Pfas stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds, a group of chemicals that are difficult to break down. There is also a change in meat production, where animals are killed on the farm or pasture. The period of time during which the animals may be transported to the slaughterhouse after death has been extended from 45 to 90 minutes.
Cosmetics and tattoo inks are also regulated under food law. In future, stricter regulations will apply to preservatives contained in tattoo inks. Switzerland is adopting the corresponding EU maximum levels.
©Keystone/SDA
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