FDF: origin labels for prepared food would be a ‘nightmare’

In an interview with The Independent, Benn said the government was lobbying in Europe for new rules to prevent a product being labelled as British when the main ingredient came from another country.

“We are pressing strongly in Europe, because consumers are not getting clear information,” he said.

He added that manufacturers should state the percentage of British ingredients in ready meals, pies and other products.

The FDF agreed that “labelling should not mislead consumers” and welcomed an opportunity to talk with Benn about closing possible loopholes.

However, a spokeswoman said products such as pies and pizzas that are made from a number of different ingredients, from a range of suppliers would be a “nightmare” to label.

“In this instance, most consumers don’t expect country of origin labelling, unless its absence would mislead them. Creating different labels to reflect the changing origin of ingredients would add further, unnecessary costs to our sector at a difficult time for food producers,” she said.

To read all of Benn’s comments, click here.