§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to require pigmeat and other meat which has been produced by methods which would be illegal in the UK to be labelled as such; and if he will make a statement. [101637]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 7 December 1999]: Unilateral action of the kind suggested would be contrary to European law. However, MAFF is raising such labelling issues in EU and international discussions. We are also consulting all interested parties on guidance aimed at ensuring that country of origin markings on food labels provide accurate information about the true origin of ingredients used. In the meantime, we will continue to encourage retailers, caterers and public procurement authorities to source their supplies of pork and pork products to British standards.