Sir; re Opinion, The Grocer, Jan 8. I read with interest your editorial comment recently regarding the gradual decline in the purchase of bacon in the UK and how this decline was affecting British, Dutch and Danish producers. I also noted your suggestion that the three nations' meat marketing organisations launch a joint initiative to increase bacon consumption. This initiative is not, of course, new ­ the Meat and Livestock Commission, Danish Bacon & Meat Council and the Dutch Meat Board ran just such a campaign between 1992 and 1996, with particular success in the foodservice sector. At a time when this sector reduced in size by 10%, sales of bacon by volume increased by 6%. That said, times do change and I feel such a joint campaign could not be created at this time. As I am sure you are aware British pigmeat producers have universally adopted the stall and tether free method of production and do not feed meat and bonemeal to pigs. The British industry has also universally adopted farm and product assurance schemes that are independently audited in accordance with international standards. Until Dutch and Danish industries implement the same high standards. across their whole pig production industry, we do not have a level playing field. As a matter of interest, forecasts for the use of bacon in the foodservice market are extremely good for the next few years. The MLC will be working with British processors to help them fully exploit this opportunity. D Andrews Development manager Meat & Livestock Commission {{LETTERS }}

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