Food labeling and Conditions Envisaged by the EU-Georgia Association Agreement

Abstract

Introduction: The Georgian legislation is a very clear regarding food labeling and completely shares the regulations and fundamental principles of all EU member states at formal level, but there are no effective mechanisms and institutions in place to react to the violation of the established regulations of the law, as well as to be responsible on the increase of public awareness, raising the food purchase and consumption culture. The aim of the thesis is to show problems in the Georgian food market in terms of fulfillment of fundamental norms envisaged under the Association Agreement. Methods: The paper includes qualitative research, in particular the method of observation applied in 4 major locations of the sale of food products in Tbilisi. 4 categories of food were selected for the observation object. Food sales locations were selected including different segments of consumers, while food categories were allocated based upon the statistics on use of various products in the food market. Analysis of behavior of consumers was also carried out during the observation process. Result: The situation in Georgia in terms of food labeling norms, is quite complicated. The fundamental rules are met in no object of food sales, the information printed on food products creates the obscure presentation for customers regarding its content and suitability, the level of awareness of consumers is very low, among individuals wishing to purchase products, you rarely can meet people who are interested in details about the label information. The consumers and individuals employed in the food sale objects focus on the price of products not on the information about its characteristics.