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Resolution

Title of Resolution: The mandatory clear labelling of food with true country of originWording: This meeting urges HM Government to introduce clear and mandatory country of origin labelling on all meat, poultry and fish products sold in this country.Outline of issue:Under present legislation food products (with a few exceptions including fresh beef, veal and fish) do not have to carry a country of origin label unless not doing so would mislead customers.Additionally under EU legislation the “country of origin” is the country where a product undertook its last “significant change”. This means a pork pie can be labelled as British if it was made into a pie in Britain, even if the pork it contains comes from pigs born, reared and slaughtered elsewhere.Retailers also use British branding to create the impression that a product is “British” and therefore supporting British farmers. This is allowed under current legislation even if it contains imported meat. Examples include ready meals marketed as “Great British Classics” but containing foreign meat.Arguments FOR the resolution:• There is consumer demand for clearer labelling. • Despite this, the industry is sceptical that consumers really care about country of origin labelling. This resolution would show it is a key issue for shoppers.• Examples of misleading packaging are readily available suggesting this is a genuine problem for consumers. A campaign could focus on problems with the current system.• Lack of clear and accurate labelling prevents customers making informed choices. Individuals may want to know the country of origin of their meat, fish or poultry, including standards of animal welfare, hygiene and the impact that foodstuffs from particular countries can have on the environment and climate change (for example beef from the Amazon).• It would highlight the reasons why people buy British and the challenges facing the British meat industry.Arguments AGAINST the resolution:• The EU Commission is debating new EU-wide legalisation on country of origin labelling. This is likely to address many of the key problems with the current system.• DEFRA has agreed a voluntary code of conduct with the major UK supermarkets that address many of the concerns of the resolution.• There are already a number of high profile campaigns on the issue which appear to be having an effect on the industry.For further information on this resolution visit the The WI Website

(Couresy of NFWI Website: Food Labelling briefing March 2010FINAL[1].pdf)

At our MAY meeting, we vote as a group, for or against the following resolution. NO OTHER RESOLUTIONS ARE BEING DISCUSSED.

Charity No 1025163

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