Meal voucher reform adopted

On 14 October 2026, the National Assembly approved a major reform of meal vouchers, altering the economic relationships between employees, restaurateurs, and the social sector. The changes include extending the validity period, excluding delivery platforms, and reducing fees for restaurateurs in a market valued at several billion euros.

Validity period extended

The reform significantly changes the economy of meal vouchers, according to Le Figaro. The validity period is now extended from 14 months to three full years. For an employee receiving 11 euros per day worked, or about 2,420 euros per year, this avoids the loss of 200 to 300 euros in unused vouchers each year, offering 36 months to use them fully.

Structural waste reduced

Previously, the 14-month validity period led to structural waste. Unused vouchers became a revenue source for issuers like Edenred and Sodexo due to long-term leaves, sick leave, or forgetfulness. Now, employees can manage their vouchers more flexibly, and unused funds will be returned to the social budgets of companies. An average loss rate of 8% means an employee recovers about 194 euros of purchasing power per year, totaling 970 euros over five years.

Fees targeted in reform

The reform also targets the business model of major issuers in a market with annual transactions worth 10 billion euros. Restaurateurs complain about fees as high as 5%, which affect already fragile margins. A restaurateur collecting 50,000 euros in meal vouchers can pay up to 2,500 euros in fees, a significant portion of their net profit.

Monitoring anti-competitive practices

The DGCCRF and the Competition Authority will monitor anti-competitive practices. Issuers risk fines of 1% of their turnover for illegal rebates to employers. In addition, restaurateurs will receive an annual detailed summary of all fees deducted, promoting transparency and competition.

Delivery platforms excluded

An amendment prohibits platforms such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo from accepting meal vouchers, redirecting these funds to traditional restaurateurs. These platforms, accused of diverting the spirit of the program, deducted up to 35% in fees on orders. Supermarkets, however, can still accept vouchers for remote purchases via their drives or Click & Collect services.

Support for food aid and parental leave

Alongside the Red Cross and Restos du Cœur, the reform now allows employees to give their unused vouchers to local food aid associations. The payment of meal vouchers is maintained during parental leave, correcting a flaw that penalized young parents.

Potential redistribution of funds

The reform could redistribute several hundred million euros by combining the extension of validity, the reduction of fees, and the refund of expired funds. This change aims to benefit both employees and traditional restaurateurs while supporting social programs and reducing waste.