Euro-MPs to back new rules on food labelling

The European Parliament is expected to approve new rules requiring almost all pre-packed meat sold in British shops to say where it comes from.

The vote will be a big boost for the Yorkshire Post Clearly British campaign, which has been fighting for action to stop consumers being misled.

But the campaign will go on as the rules will still not apply to processed foods such as sausages and ready meals. The British Government has been pushing for retailers and producers to agree to voluntary guidelines, but Labour Euro-MPs have vowed to carry on pressing for country of origin labelling to be made mandatory.

Labour Euro-MP Glenis Willmott, who has campaigned for the rules, said: “People want to know where their meat comes from and these rules are great news for anyone who cares about the story behind their Sunday roast.

“Shoppers already have the right to know about the origins of their beef, fish, and fruit and veg. Now the vast majority of meat we buy will be covered too. Finally consumers will be able to see exactly where their meat began its journey to their fork.”

Currently only beef and fish are obliged to include country of origin labelling but the new rules, backed by consumer organisations, will apply to cuts of meat from pigs, poultry, sheep and goats.

Vowing to continue fighting for the rules to be extended, Ms Willmott said: “Most people would agree that just because a sausage is minced in Britain doesn’t make it a British sausage. Yet that’s exactly what manufacturers can currently claim.”