Countryside Alliance Calls for Clearer Meat Labelling

This call forms part of the CA’s manifesto of rural issues for the upcoming General Election.

From April 2015, the labels of all fresh meat sold in Britain must show where the animal was reared and slaughtered, but this regulation does not extend to processed items such as sausages, bacon and ready meals.

Members of the European Parliament voted for the rules to be extended to include processed meat products, but this is yet to be adopted by the European Commission.

Sarah Lee, head of policy for the Countryside Alliance said, “Since the horsemeat scandal, consumers are taking much more notice about where the meat they eat originates. We want labelling that shows where the animal was reared and slaughtered for all meat, including that where meat is an ingredient.”

Charlotte Cooper, head of media for the Countryside Alliance said, “It’s currently very common for meats which have come from abroad to be labelled as British, for example in the case of Danish pork which has been turned into sausages here. We don’t think that’s fair; people should be able to feel confident that when they’re buying foods labelled as British in origin they are supporting British farmers.”

For more information about the Countryside Alliance’s manifesto visit www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/article/our-general-election-manifesto-rural-priorities-for-2015-and-beyond