New guide on Country of Origin Labelling

Friday 25 June 2010

A new consumer guide for country of origin information on food labels has been launched today.

The guide was developed in partnership between the Food Standards Agency in Scotland and the Scottish Government. It gives consumers in Scotland a concise and readable background on the current rules on country of origin labelling and highlights those foods where specific labelling rules apply.

Country of origin rules are complex and under the present food labelling legislation, foods such as beef and certain fruit and vegetables must have labels saying which country they have come from. However, foods such as ham, pies, sausages and ready meals need only include this information if it is misleading to the consumer without it.

Actual food label examples are provided in the guide along with explanations on some helpful generic terms and logos found on food labels of products sold in Scotland.

The Country of Origin Labelling Guide (CoOL) was launched today at the Royal Highland Show by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead. Mr Lochhead said: 'Scotland is a land rich in primary produce with a vibrant food and drink sector. Consumers associate Scottish produce with outstanding quality and taste, and they are becoming increasingly aware of what’s available on their doorstep and the economic, health and environmental benefits.

'This guide will give consumers greater understanding of complex origin rules and confidence that they are buying authentic Scottish produce, as opposed to cheap imitations. It uses examples based on actual food labels, and also helps explain the meaning of some of the terms and logos found on food labels.

'Along with our "provenance on a plate" toolkit, which encourages restaurants, pubs and cafés to show origin information on menus, it means that whether eating out or doing the weekly shop, consumers have a greater opportunity to choose fresh, seasonal produce and learn more about where it has come from.

'Of course this is just the latest commitment to supporting Scotland’s food production and we are working in partnership across the whole food chain, with our primary producers, processors and retailers, to promote Scottish produce.'

Charles Milne, Director of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland added: 'The Food Standards Agency in Scotland has liaised directly with stakeholders and consumer groups, as well as collaborating with the Scottish Government, to enable the production of a guide specifically for consumers in Scotland.

'I am very pleased that the Food Standards Agency could help Scottish Government deliver this aim of the National Food and Drink Policy, and would take this opportunity to thank all involved in shaping this guide, which provides a concise background to the rules on country of origin labelling.'

Douglas Sinclair, Chair of Consumer Focus Scotland, said: 'Consumer Focus Scotland welcomes this guidance, which we helped to develop and tested with our network of consumer volunteers. We have long been concerned about consumer confusion with country of origin labelling and this guide will provide much needed clarity for the public.'

Printed copies of the guide will be available from the Food Standards Agency’s stand at the Royal Highland Show and from the Agency’s website.