A code of practice on pork product labelling is to be drawn up by the UK government to ensure the origin of the meat is declared on the packaging.

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Defra announced yesterday (10 December) that the code of practice, agreed by pig producers, processors, major food retailers and the foodservice sector, means that “if it says just British on the packet it will be just British in the packet”.


The agreement, now being written up for signatures, says “British” should mean born, reared, and slaughtered in Britain, not just processed and packed here.


There will also be an end to ambiguous terms such as “Produced in the UK” as the origin of the meat will be declared.


The agreement was reached by members of the Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force, which was brought together by Defra to address issues concerning the sector including labelling, environmental performance, and competitiveness.

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Announcing the agreement, Food and Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “This agreement is great news for consumers and the whole supply chain. It means that if you buy bacon or sausages from a retailer who’s signed up to the code then you’ll know exactly where the meat has come from.


“It’s also helpful for the supply chain from farm to fork, because there will be consistent definitions which the industry can use,” he added.


Mick Sloyan, chief executive of the British Pig Executive, said the move was a “significant step forward” by all elements of the pig meat supply chain to provide consumers with “even greater confidence in what they purchase”.