For some time, the UFU has been strongly lobbying for the implementation of Mandatory Country of Origin labelling for all products for all food sectors. Unfortunately, as it stands, the proposal only covers retail labelling and does not include mandatory Country of Origin provisions. The UFU has asked MEP's to lobby for mandatory Origin labelling to be included across all food sectors in this new EC proposal.
Currently the proposal includes provisions for member states to promote additional national schemes and lays down certain criteria in an attempt to
prevent mislabelling of information e.g. butter churned in Belgium from Danish milk could be labelled as "produced in Belgium from Danish milk".
The UFU has always considered it an anomaly that existing EU food labelling regulations for beef only applies to retail products, but not beef destined for the food service sector. Consumers have a right to know the origin of all of their food, whether purchased in a retail outlet or consumed in a food service outlet. They also have a right to make informed purchasing decisions based on accurate, clear and relevant information being provided.
The UFU has commended the authorities in the Republic of Ireland for being proactive and advancing legislation which will ensure the country of origin of beef used in the food service sector is available to the consumer. Indeed the Republic of Ireland has further progressed this and is now asking Europe to allow them to implement Country of Origin labelling of all products.
A recent report 'Supermarket Meat Retailing' issued by MLC on behalf of the NFU outlined clear evidence that consumer interest in, and demand for, origin labelling on meat products is strong yet the report states that existing retail origin labelling is not clear and is confusing.
The UFU will continue to lobby on this issue to help consumers have the choice to buy food reared to high standards from local farms.