Irish pork crisis sparks origin labelling debate

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told Packaging News the government was “bound by European legislation”, but that farming minister Jane Kennedy was “keen to see a tightening up of food labels”.

In a statement, Kennedy said: “I have said for some time now that I want to see clearer country of origin labelling which shows where the animal was born, reared and slaughtered.”

The Food Standards Agency confirmed the issue was being discussed at European level and the agency would like to see a clear approach.

“We’re recommending that for composite products, such as pies, where it’s described as ‘made in the UK’, the main ingredient should be given,” a spokeswoman told Packaging News.

The Conservatives have blasted the current system for “deceiving” consumers, while the Liberal Democrats said the current system made it difficult to trace products’ origin.

Farming groups such as the British Meat Processors Association have called for clarity over labelling while the British Pig Association has advised consumers to look for the Quality Standard Mark that guarantees products are of British origin

Following the BSE scare, labelling of beef products is compulsory under EU Beef Labelling Regulations.

The crisis is thought to be due to contaminated pig food, and there are now concerns that the Dioxin chemical is spreading to cattle.

Two weeks ago celebrity chef Jamie Oliver blasted food labelling a disgrace and criticised food being labelled as “sourced from the UK” on the front of a pack and “made in Denmark” on the back.

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