Sir, It was surprising and disappointing to read in your leader on 26 June that it is a "mad proposal" that country-of-origin labelling should be applied to processed foods.
The argument, that because processed foods may be sourced from different countries according to season it is unreasonable to state country of origin no longer holds water.
It is little more than a smokescreen behind which those who might wish to be less than transparent in providing consumers with clear and unambiguous information on origin have continued to hide.
The more progressive elements in the supply chain have moved on.
As you know, the British pig industry has long campaigned for clear and unambiguous country-of-origin labelling to be included on pork products such as bacon, ham and sausages.
Because the law allowed origin to be designated where the final processing took place, 'Produced in the UK' had become a euphemism for 'Made from imported pork'.
Our campaign is proving fruitful and consumers will benefit. The British pigmeat supply chain from farmers to retailers and foodservice operators has, under the auspices of the government-sponsored Pig Meat Industry Task Force, agreed a voluntary code of practice to ensure that the country of origin of the pork used in pork products is clearly displayed on the label. The code has been drawn up after extensive consultation with the supply chain to provide the guidelines to ensure clear, consistent and unambiguous labelling on all pork and pork products and to provide consumers with even greater confidence.
The major supermarkets and a growing number of foodservice companies have already committed to the code of practice and to comply with its requirements by the end of this year.
Far from being madness, it is good business practice to be clear, consistent, unambiguous and transparent when it comes to telling consumers the country of origin of the food they buy.
Stewart Houston, chairman, BPEX
The argument, that because processed foods may be sourced from different countries according to season it is unreasonable to state country of origin no longer holds water.
It is little more than a smokescreen behind which those who might wish to be less than transparent in providing consumers with clear and unambiguous information on origin have continued to hide.
The more progressive elements in the supply chain have moved on.
As you know, the British pig industry has long campaigned for clear and unambiguous country-of-origin labelling to be included on pork products such as bacon, ham and sausages.
Because the law allowed origin to be designated where the final processing took place, 'Produced in the UK' had become a euphemism for 'Made from imported pork'.
Our campaign is proving fruitful and consumers will benefit. The British pigmeat supply chain from farmers to retailers and foodservice operators has, under the auspices of the government-sponsored Pig Meat Industry Task Force, agreed a voluntary code of practice to ensure that the country of origin of the pork used in pork products is clearly displayed on the label. The code has been drawn up after extensive consultation with the supply chain to provide the guidelines to ensure clear, consistent and unambiguous labelling on all pork and pork products and to provide consumers with even greater confidence.
The major supermarkets and a growing number of foodservice companies have already committed to the code of practice and to comply with its requirements by the end of this year.
Far from being madness, it is good business practice to be clear, consistent, unambiguous and transparent when it comes to telling consumers the country of origin of the food they buy.
Stewart Houston, chairman, BPEX
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