Huge increase in imports: now the origin of bread etc. must be declared

This will help consumers better understand where their bread and pastries are produced. Therefore, in the future the country of production must be mentioned in writing instead of only verbally, as the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) announced in December.

“Every adjustment involves additional effort, but in this specific case it is also in our interest,” says Urs Wellauer, director of the Swiss Association of Master Bakers and Pastry Chefs (SBC), when asked. This would give consumers clarity about the origin of the product, especially given the huge increase in pastry imports in recent years. Another advantage is that in the future all retailers will have to indicate the origin of the bread.

The transition period for implementation of the new rule ends on January 31, 2025. The SBC is currently implementing the new requirement – with the help of a notice to point of sale. “For us this is easy to implement; our companies only produce in Switzerland,” says the SBC director.

A total of 25 regulations have been amended in connection with the revision of the Food Act. This strengthens health protection and protection against fraud and keeps Swiss legislation at the same level as in the EU, the Federal Council announced in December 2023.

In addition to the declaration of origin for bread and bakery products, this also includes new rules to combat food waste. According to the Federal Council, manufacturers and retailers have now received clear instructions on what measures they must take before they can donate or pass on food.

The federal government is also introducing a maximum value 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, with animals being killed on the farm or in the pasture. The period in which animals can be transported to the slaughterhouse after death will be extended from 45 to 90 minutes.

Cosmetics and tattoo inks also fall under food law. In the future, stricter rules will apply to preservatives in tattoo inks. Switzerland adopts the corresponding EU maximum values. (sda)