Labeling mandatory from March 2026
Consumers value transparency and want to know where food comes from and the status of aspects such as sustainability and animal welfare. This impacts labeling requirements. From March 2026, an animal husbandry label for fresh, unprocessed pork will become mandatory. Originally, this labeling requirement was to take effect from August 2026. However, the implementation period has been extended by several months.
Labeling requirements in food law serve consumer protection and market transparency. They aim to ensure that buyers receive the necessary information to make an informed purchasing decision. In Germany and the European Union, these requirements are continuously developed through new regulations, national laws, or court decisions that clarify the interpretation of existing rules. The adoption of the Food Information Regulation (FIR) and other regulations was made by the European Parliament, Commission, and Council, which jointly participate in legislation. The Animal Husbandry Labeling Act (TierHaltKennzG) and the associated animal husbandry label for fresh pork, mandatory from March 2026, were introduced due to amendments and for reasons of consumer protection and transparency, according to the law firm MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte, which advises on food law among other areas. The Food Information Regulation standardizes food information across the EU and prescribes clear information duties for manufacturers. The labeling obligation is legally regulated, with a transitional period provided for the law’s implementation so companies can adapt to the new requirements. New legal regulations and amendments significantly contribute to strengthening transparency and consumer protection in the food sector.
Labeling requirements in the EU
European food law forms the core of labeling obligations with the Food Information Regulation (FIR). This regulates, among other things, the indication of ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, best-before or use-by dates, and the origin of certain products. National provisions such as the Food, Commodities and Feed Code (LFGB) or specialized laws on organic certification or geographical indications complement this system.
In recent years, consumer demands for transparency have increased: sustainability, animal welfare, and climate protection have raised pressure on legislators and companies to provide additional information. This is reflected, for example, in the new EU regulation on deforestation-free supply chains (EUDR) and national initiatives such as animal husbandry labeling.
Manufacturers are obligated to place a variety of labels and markings on food products, with the significance of origin declarations from various countries and states – including abroad – as well as special exceptions, requirements for farms, operations and animal keepers, criteria for different animal species and housing types, the obligation for nutritional labeling (including sugar, amounts and quantity), and special regulations for honey playing a central role; all of this requires clear, comprehensible, and prudent implementation so that consumers can recognize relevant information at a glance and make informed decisions.
Information on housing conditions
With the Animal Husbandry Labeling Act, Germany created the legal basis in 2023 to provide consumers with clear information about the housing conditions of animals when purchasing pork. Animal keepers and operations play a central role in implementing the new requirements as they must meet and document the criteria for the respective housing types. Differences exist between levels, especially between stall and stall + space, regarding the amount of space and the provided enrichment materials for pigs, directly affecting animal welfare. The change in legal requirements was made for reasons of animal protection and transparency to improve the living conditions of pigs in farms and give consumers a better view of the housing conditions. The transitional period until March 2026 gives farms and animal keepers the necessary time to implement the new requirements and adjust the stables accordingly. The label distinguishes five levels:
- Stall housing
- Stall housing + space
- Fresh air stable
- Outdoor run/pasture
- Organic
Each of these variants is based on specific criteria regulating animal husbandry, the amount of space, enrichment materials, and environmental conditions for pigs in the respective farms. The importance of the individual levels lies in clearly showing the consumer under which conditions the animals were kept and how this affects animal welfare. The rating system awards points for fulfilling certain criteria, making classification into the respective level transparent and comprehensible for the farms.
Originally, the labeling requirement was to take effect as of August 2025. However, the implementation period has been extended until March 2026. The legislator justified this with significant adjustments in supply chains, slaughterhouses, and retail. For farmers and meat processors, this means additional time to plan barn renovations, introduce certification processes, and adapt labels.
The labeling requirement initially applies to fresh, unprocessed pork marketed in Germany. Other animal species such as cattle or poultry are not yet included but may be added in the future to increase transparency for all animal types. There are exceptions, for example for certain product groups or quantities, and imported products can be voluntarily labeled to also make the origin and husbandry visible for imported meat. The food control authorities of the federal states are responsible for monitoring. Violations of the labeling requirement can be penalized with fines.
Verification Obligations in the Supply Chain
In practice, this means that farmers must document the husbandry method of the animals in a verifiable manner and, if necessary, have it certified. Farms and animal keepers are obliged to ensure compliance with and documentation of the specified criteria as well as the quantities used, such as feed amounts. Furthermore, slaughterhouses and processors are required to pass on this information along the supply chain. Retailers must finally ensure that the products are correctly labeled on the shelves.
Although the extension of the implementation period until March 2026 provides planning certainty, it does not exempt farms and animal keepers from their duty of care during the transition period. Those who react only shortly before the deadline risk supply problems and legal disputes.
Other Labeling Obligations
The animal husbandry label is part of a series of regulations that aim to increase transparency for consumers. A similar case is the origin labeling of meat from pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry, which has been mandatory since 2015.
Manufacturers are required to apply various marks and labels to their products to fulfill legal obligations and provide a wide range of information transparently.
The importance of origin information from different countries and states, including abroad, is particularly relevant for products like honey, although there are exceptions to the labeling requirement for certain products.
The criteria and variants of labeling, the obligation for nutritional labeling (including sugar and quantity information), as well as the clear presentation of the amount of individual ingredients are of great importance to consumers because they enable a wise and informed purchasing decision at a glance.
Voluntary claims such as “pasture-raised” or “non-GMO” are also subject to strict requirements. They must not be misleading and must be verifiable in case of dispute. This was emphasized by the Federal Court of Justice in its ruling of June 27, 2024, regarding environmental claims such as “climate neutral” (Case No. I ZR 98/23).
Benefits of Labeling
The introduction of the state animal husbandry labeling for pork brings numerous advantages that go far beyond mere information. For consumers, the mandatory labeling under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV) primarily means one thing: more transparency and clarity when shopping. By clearly indicating the respective husbandry method on the product, consumers gain the opportunity to deliberately select products that meet their personal standards for animal welfare, environmental awareness, and quality.
The labeling obligation ensures that the husbandry conditions of the animals become visible to everyone. This way, consumers can trace the connection between the pork on the shelf and the type of husbandry and make conscious purchasing decisions. This not only strengthens trust in food products but also promotes demand for products from better husbandry systems. Companies are thereby motivated to adapt their production to higher standards, which can lead to an improvement in animal welfare in the long term.
Another advantage lies in the variety of products offered: labeling makes differences in husbandry visible and enables consumers to choose from a broader range of pork with different husbandry methods. This way, consumers can specifically reach for products that correspond to their values and requirements.
Labeling is also a benefit for food safety. Transparent documentation of origin and husbandry conditions improves traceability and reduces the risk of misunderstandings or deception. Clear labeling thus creates a reliable basis for evaluating food quality and supports responsible production and safe sales.
Overall, the state animal husbandry labeling helps consumers to make well-informed decisions that meet both their own quality standards and the welfare of animals and the environment. It creates a solid foundation for more transparency, diversity, and safety in the handling of food and strengthens trust in the entire value chain from production to sale.
Set the Course Early
Labeling obligations are therefore not only consumer protection instruments but also competitive factors. Manufacturers and businesses are obligated to comply with legal criteria and deadlines to ensure transparency and consumer protection. Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to warnings from competitors or consumer protection associations. Companies should regularly have their labels reviewed and plan adjustments for the animal husbandry label in a timely manner.
Companies should use the extension of the implementation deadline for the animal husbandry label for pork to establish the necessary processes early on. The transition period offers the opportunity to understand the reasons for the new requirements and to prepare the implementation timely and in compliance with the law. This way, legal risks can be minimized while simultaneously strengthening customer trust.
As a commercial law firm, MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte provides comprehensive advice in food law.
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