France implements new rules to ensure collective catering uses European-origin products, aiming to boost food sovereignty and sustainability.
New rules for collective catering
An ordinance published on October 25 implements two measures from the agricultural emergency law, passed on August 19, 2026. These measures aim to increase the role of collective catering in ensuring food sovereignty in France and Europe.Online declaration of products
The ordinance sets procedures for managers of collective restaurants to declare products online. This helps track the origin of goods used in canteens and ensures that purchases favor French or European products.Flexible year for implementation
The decree includes a flexible year in 2027 to address challenges in implementing the new rules. It also makes the simplified online declaration method, tested since 2022, the standard approach in 2027.European preference for food products
The decree introduces a European preference mechanism, requiring public collective restaurants to serve meals made only from products originating in the European Union, the European Economic Area, or associated overseas territories. Exceptions apply if a specific product is unavailable.Supporting sustainability goals
The European preference supports sustainability targets from the Egalim law and the Climate and Resilience law. These laws require at least 50 percent of meals to include sustainable and quality products, with higher targets for meat and fish.
