The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking input on new labelling standards for produce now that the UK has left the EU.
The aim of the consultation, according to the department, is to give Defra an understanding of how new food labelling might impact businesses, farmers and consumers.
“Defra wants to know what you think about possible reforms to food labelling for animal welfare,” the department statement said.
Defra wants to hear your views on which welfare standards could form the basis of a possible food label for animal welfare, and what the label might look like.
“Defra is also looking for information on the potential scope, regulation, and enforcement of such a labelling scheme.”
Commenting, Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“British farmers produce food to an exceptionally high standard of animal welfare, and consumers have come to expect nothing less.
“Now that we have left the EU, we have an opportunity to look at food labelling – and whether the information that we give to shoppers helps them make informed choices.
“This call for evidence is a first step in ensuring that we fully meet consumers’ needs, and fly the flag for the high standards for which our farmers are renowned.”
The open consultation – titled ‘Labelling for animal welfare: call for evidence’ – will run for 12 weeks until close on December 6, 2021 at 9:30a.m.
The survey can be accessed here.
