The war in Ukraine is having a major economic impact on foodstuffs.

For several months, France has had to deal with certain supply difficulties and the shortage of certain products.


In exceptional situations, exceptional measures: while manufacturers are forced to review their recipes, the State has relaxed the rules related to labeling.

The freedoms of industrialists

In order to remedy the lack of certain ingredients, such as sunflower oil or mustard seeds, professionals can benefit from a labeling exemption.

This procedure allows them to replace one component with another and modify the initial recipe.

To take advantage of this new temporary device called "DérogConso", all manufacturers need to do is send the dedicated application form to the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF), which may grant or refuse the derogation.

This recipe modification must respect several conditions, and of course present no danger to the consumer.

If approved, it will be authorized for a maximum of 6 months.

From the consumer's point of view

If food professionals can substitute certain raw materials in their recipes, they have an obligation to inform consumers.

In practice, a display must be set up in the departments concerned, but also at the entrance and at the checkouts of stores, as well as on online sites.

The modifications made must be clearly and visibly mentioned on the packaging of the products.

It can be a sticker affixed to the front or on the list of ingredients or even a "DEROG" mention placed near the date of consumption.

Similarly, specific marking, clearly visible on the packaging, is provided in the event that the product contains an allergen, gluten or a GMO.

You can consult the list of products whose composition has been temporarily modified using the search engine set up by the DGCCRF on Economie.gouv.fr.

You can already find a wide range of products there, from sauces such as mayonnaise and bolognese, to ready-made meals, including some pastries and chocolate biscuits, not to mention breaded fish and other vegetable pancakes.

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