Calls for greater transparency in the German food sector are intensifying following a legal challenge concerning the former meat processing business of Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU). The Green Party has voiced strong support for the public release of inspection results for restaurants, food retailers and food production facilities.
Zoe Mayer, the Green Party’s spokesperson for agriculture and nutrition policy, emphasized the importance of transparency within the food supply chain, stating it is a crucial societal concern. She highlighted a recommendation from the “Nutrition in Transition” citizens’ assembly, which advocates for making inspection results readily accessible and understandable to the public. Mayer affirmed the party’s full endorsement of this suggestion.
The call for transparency is particularly directed at Minister Rainer, who ceased operations at his meat processing business in late May. Mayer urged him to release the inspection reports pertaining to his former establishment, emphasizing that, as the Agriculture Minister, he should demonstrate leadership by proactively contributing to the clarification of any concerns and promoting openness.
The demand follows a legal action initiated by the consumer protection organization Foodwatch, seeking the disclosure of the control reports related to Rainer’s meat processing business. The responsible district authority previously refused to release the reports, citing the business’s closure. The ongoing legal proceedings are expected to further scrutinize the issue of transparency within the food sector.