HL Deb 08 May 2000 vol 612 cc207-8WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in light of the decision of the European Farm Council on 18 April that all member states will have to be separately identified over the labelling of beef, they will seek to ensure that these conditions should apply to all meat products. [HL2208]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

Origin labelling rules are harmonised at European level. The Government are actively pressing for a review of these rules and of international guidelines to improve the amount and clarity of origin information on food labels. In the meantime, new government guidance issued by my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in February this year, and placed in the Library, makes clear that origin labelling must be clearly worded and unambiguous.

Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the country of origin of meat products will be identified by that country's national flag in order to assist instant recognition by the consumer. [HL2209]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

Origin labelling rules are harmonised at European Union level and we are actively pressing for their review to improve the amount and clarity of origin information on food labels. New government guidance was issued by my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in February this year and placed in the Library. It makes clear that origin labelling must be clearly worded and unambiguous. We have no plans to require the use of national flags on food labels.