Consultation On Meat Labelling

England’s Meat Products Regulations are being amended after the European Commission (EC) revoked a requirement for food producers to declare whether protein or starch have been added to certain meat products.

The proposals published today aim to bring national regulations in line with EC changes. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to consult on similar, parallel legislation.

The proposals would not leave UK consumers unaware of the presence of added starch and protein in meat products. The labelling of added starch and protein will still fall to general labelling legislation which says that these ingredients must be labelled in the name of the food, if not to do so would mislead the consumer.

The labelling requirements to name any added ingredients of a different animal species to the rest of the meat will remain unchanged. This is an important consumer information measure, particularly for those consumers who may wish to avoid such ingredients for religious, ethical or other reasons.

The Agency is committed to ensuring consumers are given clear and informative labelling to help them make informed choices about the food they buy. The Agency is therefore also consulting on draft guidance for businesses and enforcement officers. It covers legal requirements and best practice advice for labelling of all added ingredients in the relevant meat products. It also aims to ensure clear information for consumers by encouraging adoption of consistent and transparent labelling practices.

The consultation will run until 30 November 2007.

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