Waitrose has issued a letter to its suppliers asking them not to speak to the media or use social media without asking the retailer first.
Numerous suppliers have expressed dissatisfaction of the retailer's 'gagging' tactics after receiving a letter of warning which lists 'rules of engagement' suppliers must follow, including not talking to the media without permission.
The retailer has been wary of past, and ongoing, criticism of the use of non-British meat in Waitrose's products. For example, the use of the Duchy label to sell meat not of UK origin, and recently, selling British lamb products which actually contain meat from New Zealand.
The retailer's antics garnered mainstream attention when the story was broadcast on BBC Watchdog on 9 November.
Farmers who supply Waitrose must not acknowledge they supply Waitrose or allow any filming on their farm without advanced permission from those above.
Farmers who supply Waitrose, who also write articles in the media are to be checked - they must be approved in advance.
