In France, Fresh Foods Have to Carry a Special Stamp So They Aren't Mistaken for Frozen French Parliament approved legislation on Wednesday stating that restaurants must denote homemade cuisine on their menus with a special seal.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Might restaurant patrons in America be aghast to discover that some -- or all -- of their meals have been sourced from frozen or industrially-processed components?

In France, Parliament is putting its foot down on the practice, which it views as a threat to the nation's elite gastronomical standing.

Under a new law passed by a thin majority on Wednesday, restaurant owners will now be obligated to stamp menu items with a "fait maison" seal on dishes that have been prepared with fresh produce in-house. Unmarked items will therefore imply that the dishes were processed industrially. The full measures of the law will be detailed in an implementation decree coming in March.

Related: 4 Ways to Get Your Product on the Shelves at Whole Foods

France is renowned for its fresh-baked breads and artful pastries, and bakeries will not be subject to the law -- though they are increasingly employing mass production techniques too. 80 percent of French croissants and at least half of other pastries, tarts and cakes are prepared at plants and reheated on site, reports The New York Times.

Business owners have turned to frozen foods in order to cut labor costs, as French restaurants continue to be pinched by consumers who eat less sit-down meals and, for the first time ever last year, spend more money on fast food than at traditional restaurants.

Related: France Approves 'Millionaire Tax' Targeting Businesses, Not Citizens

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

AI Is Going to 'Replace Everybody' in Several Fields, According to the 'Godfather of AI.' Here's Who He Says Should Be 'Terrified.'

Geoffrey Hinton, called the "Godfather of AI" due to his pioneering work on AI, says some fields face a heavier risk of replacement due to automation.

Fundraising

4 Trends In Fundraising That Will Impact the Future of Philanthropy

Increasing the success of your nonprofit requires you to adapt to changes.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

Why Your Business Can't Afford to Ignore Sustainability Any Longer

Saving Earth isn't just good karma — it's smart business strategy with real ROI.

Leadership

The CEO's Guide to Thriving as a First-Time Parent

The unexpected ways parenthood makes you a better leader.

Leadership

Why Letting Go of Full Control of My Business Was the Hardest — and Smartest — Move I Ever Made

Being the founder of a company carries its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Read on to learn about steps you can take to scale your business while becoming a more grounded, visionary leader.