Origin labelling, food nationalism and the EU: better information to consumers or single market fragmentation?

As part of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission is currently working on a reform of the legal framework governing the use of origin labelling on food products. Presented as an obvious way to enhance food transparency and foster more sustainable diets, origin labelling raises however the prospect of new barriers to intra-EU trade and a re-nationalisation of sourcing practices and purchasing behaviour. This contribution introduces some key aspects surrounding the use and usefulness of origin labelling for consumers and offers an overview of the relevant EU legal framework. It addresses and discusses the possible risks that enhanced origin information on food products could raise for the EU single market and argues for a limited reform of existing EU legislation.