§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance his Department has issued to meat producers on the labelling of meat products for sale(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) overseas. [99721]
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§ Ms QuinWe are currently consulting interested parties on guidance aimed at ensuring that country of origin markings on all food labels, including meat products, do not mislead consumers about the true origin of the ingredients that have been used. The guidance relates to UK food labelling requirements, which themselves derive from European rules. We would therefore expect a similar approach to that set out in the guidance to be adopted for the sale of meat products overseas.
§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request that the European Commission allows the country of origin labelling required for British beef sold in Europe to contain a promotional message. [99747]
§ Ms QuinUnder Council Regulation 820/97, it is permissible but not obligatory for British beef sold in Europe to be labelled by country or region of origin. Operators are free to label beef with a promotional message (e.g. other indications as regards quality) if they so wish, subject to the provisions of that Regulation.