France to End Expanded Use of Meal Vouchers in Supermarkets Starting January 2025

The political deadlock following the government's collapse prevents renewing a law allowing meal vouchers for non-prepared food purchases, impacting millions of workers.

A 2022 law permitting meal vouchers to be used for non-prepared foods like pasta and rice in supermarkets will expire on December 31, 2024, without renewal.
The law's extension to 2026 was passed by the National Assembly but was stalled in the Senate due to the recent collapse of the Barnier government.
Approximately 5.4 million French workers will lose the ability to use meal vouchers for grocery staples starting January 2025, limiting their use to ready-to-eat items like sandwiches.
Restaurateurs, who opposed the expanded use of meal vouchers in supermarkets, may benefit from the policy reversal but warn of broader tensions in the sector.
A reform of the meal voucher system is expected in 2025, with proposals to adjust daily limits, increase voucher value, and better balance employer contributions.

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