EU one step closer to origin labelling

Clear consumer country of origin labelling for pork, chicken and lamb could soon become law after EU ministers gave the idea an overwhelming approval, the NFU is reporting.

Sustained lobbying by the NFU saw the European Parliament’s environment and consumer protection committee vote in favour of country of origin labelling on meat, poultry, dairy, fresh fruit and veg and other single-ingredient products back in March.

That was followed by a yes vote from all MEPs in June. And this recent ministerial vote brings country of origin labelling laws one step closer.

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: “The NFU believes that labelling needs to provide accurate, clear and relevant information so consumers can make an informed choice. People buying meat and poultry products want to know where the animal was reared so they know exactly what they are eating. Consumers also want consistency in labelling across all sectors and they deserve not to be misled. Today’s political agreement is a big step in the right direction to achieving this.”

The next stage of the process to making country of origin food labelling law is a second reading at the European Parliament expected in June 2011.

Source: NFU