NFU Cymru has welcomed the news that the resolution on country of origin labelling for meat in processed food was passed in the European Parliament.
Lyndon Edwards, Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board said, “In the past progress has been made on clearer labelling of fresh meat but less so on processed foods. Across Europe it is estimated that some 30per cent to 50per cent of the total slaughtered meat volume is processed into meat ingredients for foodstuffs, mostly into minced meat, meat preparations and meat products. Therefore, clear labelling of these processed foods is essential to let the consumers know not only what they are buying but where the ingredients actually originate from in the first place.
“Like the proposals in the resolution we believe that labelling the origin of meat used as an ingredient in foods will help ensure better traceability along the food supply chain, more stable relationships between meat suppliers and processors and increased diligence when food business operators choose their suppliers and products.
“We also agree that food labelling should take account of the transparency of the information and its readability for consumers, while enabling European businesses to operate in an economically viable manner and in conditions acceptable to the consumer’s purchasing power.
“Legislative proposals, making the indication of the origin of meat in processed foods mandatory, will help ensure greater transparency throughout the food chain and better inform European consumers. Our own PGI status for Welsh Beef and Lamb are excellent examples of total traceability and quality of products.
“One word of caution however is avoiding excessive costs and administrative burdens on food processors as this could be ultimately passed down the line to primary producers.
“We therefore fully agree with European Parliament to urge the European Commission to adopt an implementing act concerning the application of Article 26(3), of the Food Information to Consumers Regulation, which relates to the indication of the country of origin of primary ingredients where this is not the same as that of the food product.
“Finally we ask our own Governments in Cardiff and Westminster to put pressure on the European Commission to ensure that the resolution passed in the European Parliament does result in the necessary legislation being implemented to help consumers make informed decisions on the food they buy.”
