The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the new code will ensure that “if it says just ‘British’ on the packet it will be just British in the packet”. The scheme was drawn up with the help of pig producers, processors, major food retailers, and the food service sector.
Leading UK trade group the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has welcomed the initiative.
“This is a very significant step forward by all elements of the pig meat supply chain to provide consumers with even greater confidence in what they purchase,” said BPEX chief executive Mick Sloyan.
Origin displayed
The code is due to be finalised in February 2010 when pig producers, processors, retailers, and the food service sector will be invited to sign up to it. Those who join will agree to clearly display the origin of the pork on the front of the packet. Under the agreement, a pronouncement that meat is British will mean that the animal was born, reared, and slaughtered in Britain. It will also mean an end to ambiguous terms such as ‘Produced in the UK’ as the origin of the meat will be declared, said Defra.
The pact was reached by members of the Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force which was set up to address issues concerning the sector including labelling, environmental performance, and competitiveness.
“This agreement is great news for consumers and the whole supply chain,” said Food and Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, who also chairs the Task Force.
He added: “It means that if you buy bacon or sausages from a retailer who’s signed up to the code then you’ll know exactly where the meat has come from. It’s also helpful for the supply chain from farm to fork, because there will be consistent definitions which the industry can use.”