Country of origin labelling should be compulsory, say Tories

Poultry has been highlighted by the Conservative party as one of the worst offenders for misleading consumers with the rules surrounding food labelling.

A 10-minute bill was launched in the House of Commons by South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon to make country of origin labels compulsory on all meat products including poultry by updating the current food labelling regulations.

The move comes as major supermarkets have been accused of confusing consumers about where their food has come from.

Topping the Tories’ list of the top five worst examples is a Tesco Chicken Dinner for children, which claims on the packaging that it was produced in the UK, when the chicken actually originated from Thailand, said the MP.

Also on the list is The Birds Eye “Great British menu” where you have to read the small print to discover that the range is made in Britain from imported chicken. Sainsbury’s roast chicken slices were also mentioned, as it uses meat that has been “produced from Brazilian or British chicken”.

The current food labelling regulations have been in existence since 1966 and require that food is labelled with the place of origin. However, this has allowed retailers to import foreign meat and sell it as British because it has been packed in the UK, he said.

“We have been waiting for years for a workable voluntary scheme for country of origin food labelling. The time has come to accept that honest food labelling requires the force of law. That is what consumers have the right to expect,” said Mr Bacon.

Producers, consumers and local retailers have all pledged to support the campaign against unclear branding on poultry products that are claimed to be British.