UK farmers have welcomed the European Parliament’s decision to extend mandatory country of origin labelling to fresh meat from pigs, sheep, goats and poultry is a boost for consumers.

The National Farmers Union said the adoption of the ‘Food Information to Consumers’ report is the culmination of more than seven years of persistent lobbying in the UK and Brussels.Producers are hopeful that the move will be a step on the road to giving consumers clear and honest information about the origins of their food.

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond  said, “With mandatory country of origin labelling finally extended to lamb, pork and poultry, all British consumers will at last know where their fresh meat comes from. We have been lobbying tirelessly in the UK, Brussels and Strasbourg for this result talking to UK MPs, MEPs, government officials, the WI, the food industry and European Commission officials."

However, the new rules do not apply to processed foods such as sausages and ready meals. The British Government has been pushing for retailers and producers to agree to voluntary guidelines. Under the terms of the report the Commission must submit a report within two years to examine extending mandatory country of origin labelling to meat used as an ingredient in processed food.  

Mr Raymond added, “There is more work to be done to make sure origin labelling is extended to processed meats and dairy products. Although there has been some significant progress made by many retailers and manufacturers in the UK to improve their labelling voluntarily, it is still not universal and consumers are still being confused and misled. We will continue to push hard for mandatory country of origin labelling on processed meat and dairy products.”

Labour MEP Glenis Willmott, who campaigned for the rules to be adopted, said, “People want to know where their meat comes from and these rules are great news for anyone who cares about the story behind their Sunday roast.”

The new regulation will be formally adopted by member state ministers within four months of its adoption by MEPs. However, the new rules will not come into force until 2015.