NFU welcomes FSA food labelling investigation
The
NFU has praised a survey by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that
spotlights the high levels of misleading labelling still prevalent
in the UK food industry.
The
survey reflects the concerns raised by the NFU in its response to
the FSA consultation on the use of food labelling terms.
The
NFU is particularly concerned about the misuse of the term farmhouse
on food labels to imply a product produced on farm premises. This
is particularly important to farmers who have diversified to add
value to their farms by processing their own produce.
The
FSA revealed that of the surveyed products that used the description
farmhouse, 75% were actually produced in industrial
premises.
The
NFU has long supported the use of clear, informative and enforceable
labelling, particularly concerning country of origin, to allow informed
consumer choice and prevent shoppers being misled.
NFU
Food Standard spokesman Michael Seals said: British consumers
are being misled whilst farmers and rural businesses are unable
to capitalise on their invention and initiative.
The
NFU would urge all food manufacturers, processors and retailers
to follow the FSA guidelines on best practice to stamp out erroneous
labelling.
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