§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations his Department has held with supermarkets to ensure that beef and other meat products are properly labelled. [22358]
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§ Mr. RookerThe Department's officials have regular discussions with retailers about food law, including the accuracy of labelling information. Officials have held specific discussions with representatives of the major supermarkets and independent butchers about the forthcoming arrangements for the labelling of fresh and frozen beef and beef mince.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ensure that meat is labelled with the country of production. [22076]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 22 December 1997]: The Government have already announced plans for the labelling of fresh and frozen beef and beef mince. Under the proposed arrangements, which will enter into full force on 31 March 1998, origin claims along with other detailed information, such as production method, will require approval by a competent authority. While these arrangements will be voluntary in the first instance, I expect the majority of beef sold retail to be covered. It is envisaged that origin claims on beef will be compulsory by the year 2000. The European Commission will be reviewing the operation of the beef labelling arrangements in 1999. As part of the review the Commission is expected to consider the possibility of extending the beef labelling arrangements to other species.