UK supermarkets have been unable to refute MLC allegations that they are creating brands that deliberately avoid promises not to advertise and sell imported low-welfare pork.
The Meat and Livestock Commision (MLC) have claimed that UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Somerfield and Morrisons, are uncommited to their pledge that own-label pork and bacon would only be sold if it had been raised to the same welfare standards as the UK. This follows a campaign by British pig farmers and consumers.
According to evidence by the MLC submitted to the Competition Commission, there has been a rapid growth in tertiary brands that do not carry the retailer’s brand name and, which have been derived from farming systems that would be illegal in the UK.
A Somerfield spokesman said that, while the supermarket was committed to supporting the British pork industry, the reality was that the UK was not self-sufficient in this sector and the chain had to supplement the shortfall with European pork to meet consumer demand, adding: “We now sell over 45% British pork. All imported meat is clearly identified with the country of origin.â€
MLC consumer affairs director, Richard Lowe, said: “People are easily misled by the on-pack labels. BPEX has been campaigning for clear, transparent and honest labeling for a long time, so consumers can make an informed choice. The whole industry has to work together to clear this up.â€
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