Schnitzel scandal: XXXLutz removes the popular dish from the menu!

Schnitzel scandal: XXXLutz removes the popular dish from the menu!

From May 15th this year, the menu of the furniture store chain XXXLutz in Austria will change. What does this mean specifically for the guests? The previously popular schnitzel offer for just 4.50 euros will be canceled. Instead, there is a new schnitzel that costs 9.90 euros. A vegetarian option is also offered. Particularly interesting: On Wednesdays the schnitzel is available for 7.90 euros, which will certainly put a smile on the faces of many schnitzel lovers. But why this decision? According to merkur.de, the deletion of the schnitzel could be related to a switch to regional cuisine.

With the change, XXXLutz is also breaking new ground in labeling the origin. In the future, around 90% of the food on offer will come from Austria. In order to make this clear to guests, the origin of the food is marked directly on the menu. Andreas Haderer, managing director of XXXLutz Gastronomy, emphasizes the importance of this label. A QR code even allows guests to check the origin of the products used in real time. Such transparency is intended to help guests make informed decisions about their consumption.

Origin labeling and new regulations

Labeling of origin has become more important in recent years. According to information from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, it is now mandatory throughout the EU to indicate the origin of fresh, chilled or frozen meat. From the beginning of 2024, this obligation will also be extended to non-prepackaged meat, which means that clear origin information must also be provided at the butcher or at the weekly market.

This particularly applies to types of meat such as pork, sheep and poultry. Information about where the animal was raised and slaughtered is essential to enable consumers to make a transparent purchasing decision. Comprehensive information about the origin of ingredients in gastronomy also plays a role here. Analysis has shown that it is often difficult for consumers to access information, particularly in the catering sector.

A look into the future

The changes at XXXLutz are a sign of the increasing importance of labeling of origin. Although the catering industry does not have the same labeling obligation as commercial kitchens, the EU's efforts to extend origin labeling to other foods could soon have an impact here too. According to related, the catering sector is increasingly being asked to ensure transparency.

The return of the popular promotional schnitzel remains a big question mark. Andreas Haderer states that a return is conceivable, but not at the previous prices. So we can't wait to see how the situation develops and whether the new offers are received by guests.