Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz

Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz is the name of a German statute traditionally associated with the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Enacted in 1999, the law became famous not only for its purpose—regulating labeling of beef and ensuring traceability—but also for its exceptionally long compound name, often cited as a classic example of German word formation.

The statute originated in a context of growing concerns about cattle health and food safety, including the BSE crisis. Its core provisions regulated the labeling of beef products sold within the state, specifying requirements for indicating the origin of the cattle, the farm of origin, and related production information. It established responsibilities for oversight and enforcement, transferring certain supervisory tasks to designated authorities and outlining penalties for non-compliance. The aim was to increase transparency in the meat supply chain and help consumers make informed choices.

In 2013, the law was repealed as Germany moved toward broader, nationwide and EU-aligned labeling regimes. The German federal and EU frameworks gradually unified beef labeling standards, making the state-level act redundant. Nevertheless, the Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz remains notable as a historical example of regional regulation and as a linguistic reference point for German compounding. The long form is widely referenced in discussions of language, while the shorter versions of the law are sometimes used in legal and academic contexts.