Food Law News - UK - 1998
31 March 1998: BEFF - Britain Leads the Way on Beef Labelling
MAFF News Release (130/98), 31 March 1998
Britain Leads the Way on Beef Labelling
Britain will continue to lead the way on beef labelling in Europe.
The European Commission has pushed back the EU-wide Beef Labelling Scheme by three months due to continuing problems in getting the scheme up and running throughout Europe. However, the UK is setting an example for the rest of Europe in encouraging outlets to label their beef with clear and detailed information.
Many beef operators in Britain have already sought and received approval for their labels even though the deadline for the European Beef Labelling Scheme is now 30 June 1998.
Food Minister Jeff Rooker said:
"I am disappointed that the European Commission has further delayed the full introduction of this Scheme by another three months. The Beef Labelling Scheme will give consumers accurate information about the beef they buy. We are keen to see the Scheme introduced as quickly as possible. Britain is already way ahead of the rest of Europe in approving beef outlets to use detailed labelling information. This will not only benefit consumers, who will have accurate information on the beef that they buy, but will also be welcome news to farmers, who can be assured that imported beef can no longer be described as “British”. Despite the delay in Europe, I trust British operators will not relax their efforts and would urge those who have not yet applied to do so at the earliest opportunity. The sooner applications are approved, the sooner consumers will benefit."
The following background notes are given:
- News Releases 297/97 and 352/97 announced the launch of the Beef Labelling Scheme. News Release 370/97 announced the European Commission's decision to delay its full introduction until 31 March. The Scheme implements Title II of EC Council Regulation 820/97 and Commission Regulation 1141/97 (as amended).
- A booklet explaining the rules of the Beef Labelling Scheme has been sent to all known retail outlets for beef and veal in the UK. Booklets, as well as application forms, can be obtained from the Ministry's Beef Labelling Section from Room 416, Whitehall Place (West Block), London SW1A 2HH. Tel: 0171 270 8958, Fax: 0171 270 8836. E-mail: e.nawaz@basd.maff.gov.uk.
- To date some 80 applications have been approved covering more than 8,000 outlets.
- Similar arrangements are being made by the Agriculture Departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.