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Listen to this siteWednesday 27 January 2010
The Food Standards Agency in Scotland (FSAS) has issued a consultation today seeking views on draft guidance for consumers in Scotland on country of origin information on food labels.
As part of the consultation process, the draft guidance will be available on the Food Standards Agency’s website. We are also in the process of arranging stakeholder meetings in February. Stakeholder input will be a key part in producing guidance in a format that meets consumers' needs. The consultation runs until Tuesday 9 March 2010.
Under the present food labelling legislation, foods such as beef and certain fruit and vegetables, must have labels saying what country they have come from. However, foods such as ham, pies, sausages and ready meals only need to include this information, if not giving it would be misleading the consumer.
Food Standards Agency research has shown that some consumers are confused about country of origin information on food labels and whether ‘country of origin’ refers to where animals are born, raised or slaughtered or whether this refers to where a food product has been produced. This draft guidance, which uses plain language and labelling examples will help the consumer with their choice and understanding.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead MSP, said: 'The Scottish Government fully supports this guidance and has worked in partnership with the FSA in Scotland to ensure consumers have greater access to more information in order to make better informed food choices.
'I believe labelling can help provide Scottish consumers with greater clarity and guidance about the food they buy and strengthen Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink.'
Charles Milne, Director of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland added: 'This work has been taken forward as part of the Agency's Strategic Plan 2010–2015 to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed choices.'
Communications Unit,
6th Floor, St. Magnus House,
25 Guild Street,
Aberdeen AB11 6NJ
Tel: 01224 285120 or 285127
Fax: 01224 285167
Email:
press.scotland@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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