We call it the “francization” food products. Products manufactured abroad but labeled as French or whose origin is not specified. This fraud “represents an important economic issue”underlines the Deux-Sèvres prefecture which publishes the results of the controls carried out in 2023 by agents of the competition, consumption and fraud repression service (CCRF).
The French origin of the products was checked in the markets, at wholesalers, in large and medium-sized supermarkets and in restaurants, throughout Deux-Sèvres.
Out of 34 checks, 15 warnings were sent to non-established traders because the origin of the country was not indicated, and to large and medium-sized stores whose display was incorrect, or even misleading. In two cases, large and medium-sized supermarkets received an injunction to comply with the law: the display of the origin of fruits and vegetables was misleading.
Finally, three reports were drawn up for “persistent anomalies of possession for sale or offer of foodstuffs containing information likely to mislead as to the origin”.
The labeling on the shelves is not the only cause: anomalies were detected on three occasions on delivery notes or invoices bearing no trace of the origin of the products.
Concerning the meat sector, six warnings were sent for lack of information on the origin of products, particularly in restaurants. Twice, distributors were ordered to comply: the origin of the veal was not displayed.
In 2024, around sixty inspections should be carried out across all sectors. To date, 21 checks have been carried out in supermarkets, markets, producers’ shops and restaurants. Result, six warnings for a lack of indication on the origin of the products without any intention of misleading the consumer.
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