Principles on Country of Origin Information
The Food and Drink Federation welcomes the voluntary principles on country of origin information which have been developed by the food industry, facilitated by Defra.
In June 2011 Defra published the evaluation on National Country of Origin
Labelling which is intended to provide a benchmark for future assessments of
uptake of
the Principles.
Foreword
The food industry has always shown itself adaptable and flexible to its
customers' demands – and much progress has already been made in providing more
and
better information on food origin. However, this document marks a significant
further
step forward. I am very pleased that the food industry has been able to come
together, facilitated by Defra, and develop principles for clearer country of
origin labelling.
Many individual businesses already provide excellent origin information. These
principles formalise and strengthen what they do. Championing the practices of
the best performers and bringing others into line will reduce confusion and
ensure
improvements in both the quality and consistency of origin information for all
consumers.
I congratulate the industry on this important initiative and look forward to
seeing real benefits to the consumer.
Jim Paice MP, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food
General Principles
We are fully committed to honest labelling and the principles set out how we
will continue to improve the level and clarity of country of origin[1] information
for meat, meat products and certain dairy products.
We will continue to ensure that labels do not mislead consumers as to the origin
of food particularly where some form of voluntary claim is made.
We will keep this document under review particularly in the light of the
development of new EU labelling rules (EU Regulation on Food Information to
Consumers)
and other relevant legislation.
Best Practice
Label all unprocessed meat with country of origin.
Limit all single country of origin labelling to meat from animals born and
reared in the specified country (or, in the case of poultry, reared in the
specified
country).
Limit the use of 'British' to meat from animals born and reared in the UK (or,
in the case of poultry, reared in the UK).
Where the animal has been born and reared in different countries additional
information will be provided to make this clear.
Meat products
Label “lightly” processed products such as bacon, ham, gammon, sausages and
burgers with the origin of the meat ingredient.
Limit all single country of origin labelling to processed products containing
meat from animals born and reared in the specified country (or, in the case of
poultry, reared in the specified country).
Limit the use of 'British' to processed products containing meat from animals
born and reared in the UK (or, in the case of poultry, reared in the UK).
Where the animal has been born and reared in different countries additional
information will be provided to make this clear.
In other composite products (e.g. pies, casserole etc) where a voluntary origin
declaration is made, label the country of origin of the meat ingredient if the
meat is considered of primary interest to the consumer or a predominant
component
of the product.
Where the meat is sourced from multiple countries this is made clear either by
naming the countries (e.g. produced in the UK with meat from Thailand and/or
Brazil), stating “product of multiple countries”, defining a geographical area
(e.g.
product of the EU, product of South America or product of Scandinavia) or by
stating that the origin of the primary ingredients is different from the origin
of
the product e.g. “Produced in the UK from imported beef.”
Origin claims using UK flags, British imagery (such as icons or landmarks), or
any suggestion of British or local origin through the product name or
description
(e.g. “British Classic”) is limited to products where the meat originates from
the UK.
Dairy products (Liquid milk, fresh cream, cheese and butter)
Label all liquid milk[3] and fresh cream with the country of origin of the milk.
Label cheese[4] and butter sold as such with the country of origin of the liquid
milk or the place of manufacture.
The use of flags or imagery (such as icons or landmarks) on these products will
be limited to those containing liquid milk from that country.
Where the milk is sourced from multiple countries this is made clear either by
naming the countries (e.g. produced in the UK with milk from Belgium and/or
France), stating “product of multiple countries”, defining a geographical area
(e.g.
product of the EU) or by stating that the origin of the primary ingredients is
different from the origin of the product e.g. “Produced in the UK from imported
milk.”
General provisions
Place origin information either on the label or in close proximity to the
product (where not pre-packed).
For catering establishments provide origin information on the menu, on
accompanying literature or ensure it is available at the request of the
customer.
When using statements such as 'packed [sliced etc] in country X' it should be
accompanied by the place(s) of production if different.
Additional best practice
Where these principles are followed consumers can be confident in claims that
are made. Where possible and achievable the additional best practice elements
of
the Government's guidance on origin labelling and for pigmeat, the BPEX
labelling
code should be applied.
Annex A
The following information is not considered to be an origin declaration
- Approved premises codes (identification marks indicating country of processing
and a code number that relates to the approved establishment in order to meet
the
requirements of EU Hygiene Legislation).
- Breeds of cattle (e.g. Aberdeen Angus).
- Name and address of the manufacturer, packer and seller.
- Control body code numbers under the organic standards.
- Use of slogans such as “UK favourite brand” when supported by sales data.
This information will not be used or placed on the packaging in a way which
could confuse as to the origin of the product.
Notes
1. Country of origin is a specific country or place of provenance
2. Legal requirements are in place for beef & veal and imported poultry meat
3. Excludes evaporated and condensed milk
4. Excludes processed cheese (e.g. spreads) and cheese used as an ingredient
(e.g. in pizzas).
More Information
Last reviewed: 14 Jun 2011