Animal husbandry - Thuringia prepares labeling of pork meat
Booth, Pasture or Bio: In the meat counters of retail stores, there will be required to indicate on packaging in the future, from which farming method the meat originates. Preparations for the state labeling, which initially applies to pork meat, have begun in Thuringia.
Agricultural farms with pig farming must submit the necessary information for labeling to the Consumer Protection Authority by August 1st, as the Thuringian Health Ministry announced. The Consumer Protection Authority reviews the documents and issues corresponding registration numbers.
Background is the federally valid Animal Husbandry Labeling Law, which was put into effect nationwide last year and is intended to provide clarity to consumers during purchasing. The coalition government's law provides that starting from August 2025, labeling for domestic products will be mandatory. The system is set to begin with pork meat in supermarkets. A system with five categories is planned. No official fees are currently being charged for registration and number assignment.
According to official statistics, there are approximately 647,000 pigs kept in Thuringia (as of May 2024), with farms having at least 50 pigs being recorded.
The new labeling system for meat originates from different farming methods will be mandatory for packaging in supermarkets starting from August 2025, as stipulated by the federally valid Animal Husbandry Labeling Law. As aresult, authorities in Erfurt, the capital city of Thuringia, will be closely monitoring and regulating Animal keeping practices, ensuring compliance with the guidelines set for pig farming in the region. With over 647,000 pigs currently kept in Thuringia, the level of animal welfare and ethical standards in pig farming will undoubtedly be a significant focus.
