No More Guessing: Restaurants Now Required to Clearly Disclose Their Menus!

If you’ve ever visited your local diner, you might have noticed signs that detail the origins of the beef served. Restaurant owners are required to display the country where the animal was born, raised, and slaughtered. This comprehensive history has been mandatory since 2002 for both the ground steak in a McDonald’s burger and the Angus ribeye steak in a high-end restaurant. Until now, however, this requirement applied only to beef. But from today, that’s no longer the case! Here’s what this new decree changes for you.

On this Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the government has toughened the rules regarding the mandatory display of meat origins. This is a significant shift for both restaurateurs and consumers. According to Annie Genevard, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, “this decree is a significant step forward in terms of transparency regarding the origins of meat, which enhances consumer trust”. She further adds, “it also provides valuable support for our local producers, while showcasing our farming practices and the quality of French products”. But what does it actually change concretely?

This decree now extends the obligation to… all meats served in French restaurants! Whether it’s beef, pork, lamb, or poultry, the same traceability is now required of restaurateurs. “Displaying the origin of the meats will allow customers to opt for meat known for its quality and taste”, explained Véronique Louwagie, Minister Delegate in charge of Commerce.

For the government, this move primarily supports French producers just days before the opening of the Salon de l’Agriculture. But for consumers, it represents a significant leap forward. In addition to the restaurant menu, you’ll now be able to view these notices… and know exactly what’s on your plate!