The UK government yesterday (23 February) launched plans to state the origin of pork in processed products comes in a bid to promote “clear, honest labelling”.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs unveiled a “code of practice” to oversee how pork and pork products are labelled.

“I expect all major retailers to sign up and join those who have already decided to end the confusion for shoppers. If they don’t, their customers should ask them why they’re not in favour of clear, honest labelling,” said Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.

Companies that sign up to the new code will label their products as “produced in the UK” but “using pork from country x.”

Further definitions, such as “outdoor bred” and “outdoor reared” are being finalised and an announcement on how these could be incorporated into labelling is expected in the near future, Defra said.

Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmers Union, said: “British pig producers, who have embraced the highest standards of animal welfare enshrined in the Red Tractor pork logo, will welcome this code of Practice and consumers will be able to make informed decisions knowing there is absolute clarity and transparency about country of origin.”

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