The former Conservative government consulted on plans for fairer food labelling last year and the NFU responded with the overriding message that labelling must be clear and unambiguous to enable shoppers to make informed purchasing decisions.
The current government has now published its response to the consultation, noting support from the majority of those who took part for informative country of origin labelling.
鈥�The best labels are clear, simple and contain accurate information, including country of origin.鈥�
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
In a statement it said: 'We are committed to using this evidence on an ongoing basis as we consider the UK and Devolved Governments鈥� priorities on food labelling and information.'
Strong support for method of production labelling was also identified, with the government stating that it recognises 'strong support from members of the public and many other stakeholders for the provision of clearer information for consumers on the welfare standards of their food'.
Defra鈥檚 policy proposal under the Conservative government聽was to introduce a mandatory label covering pork, chicken and eggs applying to both domestic and imported products. Proposals include a five-tier system which will cover standards, such as stocking density, outdoor access and enrichment.
However, NFU Deputy President David Exwood said that, while the consultation drew strong support for mandatory method of production labelling, 鈥渢his doesn鈥檛 necessarily indicate the level of welfare involved particularly if multiple farming systems are being used鈥�.
鈥淎lthough we support greater transparency, method of production labelling risks causing unnecessary confusion for the public and carry an unreasonable burden to food and farming businesses,鈥� he added.
Best labels are clear, simple and accurate
The government has said it will consider all views going forwards and will continue to work with relevant parties, including farming and food industry stakeholders to continue policy development. The role of method of production labelling reform will be considered as part of an overarching approach to animal welfare and the government's wider food strategy it has said, adding that it will work with the devolved governments on food labelling.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood responded: 鈥淭he best labels are clear, simple and contain accurate information, including country of origin. This then enables shoppers to get the information we know they want and select products that are produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards.
鈥淲hen it comes to imports, we need to safeguard our own high standards from products that are produced under conditions that would be illegal in the UK. That鈥檚 why government must enshrine a set of core environmental and animal welfare standards in law for all agri-food imports.
鈥淔or me, ensuring high welfare is all about good farm management, attention to detail and professional care of animals. While we recognise strong individual and stakeholder support for clearer information on labels, this can be best delivered through a combination of origin labelling, assurance schemes, marketing and online information.鈥�
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