Food and Drinks: Origin Marking
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to ensure that details of (a) the geographical location of production and (b) ownership of brands is included on (i) labels and (ii) point of sale materials for (1) beer and (2) other food and drink products.
Answered by Dame Angela Eagle
The UK aims to maintain high standards on the information that is provided on food labels. All food sold on the UK market must comply with food labelling rules, which include the requirement for the name and address of the food business operator that is responsible for the food.
Food origin information is mandatory for some, but not all foods. It is not required for beer products, but many producers in the UK state where the beer is brewed. If there is a recognised regional style of beer, it may be possible to protect that heritage through the geographical indications scheme.
In any case, where an indication of origin or provenance is given on food and drink, either in words or pictures, this must be accurate.
The Government has no current plans change country of origin rules. The ownership of brand is not required under food labelling rules.
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