MP backs British quality standards

SOUTH Norfolk MP Richard Bacon (Conservative) has tabled a Commons motion calling on supermarkets and the catering industry to support British consumer demand for quality meat.

The move follows the launch of the new Quality Standard Mark for Pork, Bacon, Ham and Sausages by the British Pig Executive (BPEX). Mr Bacon, who last year promoted a Food Labelling Bill in the Commons requiring clear country of origin labelling for food products, said: "Given the chance, many British people will choose to buy British products rather than foreign meat but it is often not clear on the packet where food comes from.

"The new Quality Standard Mark will help shoppers who want to buy meat produced to high British animal welfare standards". "Over 700,000 tonnes of pig meat is imported into the UK each year and 70% of it is produced to animal welfare standards that would be illegal in this country.

"Animal welfare standards here are much higher and it is time someone spoke up for British quality pigs".