new pork labelling scheme
A new voluntary Code of Practice for the labelling of pork and
pork products was introduced at the end of February.
This was developed by the Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force which
represents a broad range of stakeholders, including retailers, food
service companies, consumers, processors, industry organisations,
government and its agencies. It is intended to provide consumers
with clear and unambiguous labelling regarding country of origin,
pig production terms and the use of breed names.
While there are specific legal requirements for foods such as
beef, veal, fish and shellfish to be labelled with information on
country of origin, there is no such legislation covering pork and
pork products. These foods have to comply with the Food Labelling
Regulations which require that the place of origin or provenance
need only be labelled if failure to do so might mislead a
purchaser. This has led to a lack of clarity and ambiguities where
imported pork processed in the UK is labelled as ‘Produced in the
UK’ without additional details on country of origin being required.
The new Code is designed to address these issues.
The Code sets down minimum standards which supporting businesses
will use. It applies initially to fresh and frozen pork, bacon,
gammon, ham, sausages and pork pies. Once established it is planned
to extend coverage to other processed products where pork is an
important constituent. The main elements are:
- all retail packs will clearly display country of origin
- single country of origin declarations mean that the pig was
born, reared and slaughtered in that country.
- where the pig is born, reared or slaughtered in more than one
country, additional information will be provided.
- the terms ‘Produced in the UK’ and ‘Packed in the UK’ will not
be used without qualification of the origin of the pork.
- where pork from a number of different countries is used, this
will be indicated.
- the use of national terms and symbols will mean that the
ingredients and all the main production/manufacturing process
originated within that country.
- if a product specific term or breed description stating a
geographical origin is used, this will mean the product is made
from UK pork, unless accompanied by a different origin
declaration.
- use of trade names and imagery which implies UK origin will
only be used on UK origin products; otherwise they will be
accompanied by an origin declaration.
- agreed definitions for the use of terms relating to pig
production methods.
- food service outlets will make origin information available to
customers either on menu, in accompanying literature, on a company
website or directly from the company on request.
Most major retailers have already committed to the Code.
