Austria’s push for goose meat origin labels exposes welfare gaps in dining
Hannes Royer, the founder of the association Land schafft Leben, is pushing for mandatory origin labeling of goose meat in Austrian restaurants. This comes as only a third of the geese consumed in the country are locally produced, with the rest imported. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the origin and welfare standards of the goose meat served in the hospitality sector.
Austria has strict animal welfare standards for goose farming, including outdoor access and limited stocking density. However, imported conventional goose meat, which sells for just €8 to €10 per kilogram, is cheaper than domestic options. This price difference leads to 70 to 80 percent of goose meat in the hospitality sector being imported, often from less regulated environments with lower welfare standards.
In 2024, Austria consumed approximately 930 metric tons of goose meat, roughly one serving per person. Austrian agriculture emphasizes high welfare standards, with antibiotics only permitted for treatment and a withdrawal period before slaughter. Organic Austrian geese cost between €17 and €25 per kilogram, while conventionally farmed domestic geese start at around €14 per kilogram.
Royer's advocacy for mandatory origin labeling seeks to empower consumers to make informed choices about the goose meat they eat. By knowing the origin and welfare standards, diners can support local farmers and encourage higher animal welfare standards in the industry.
