Food labels must be more "rigorous"
The Commons has been urged to make food labels more rigorous so that consumers know the country of origin and standards used in its production.
Richard Bacon MP said people needed the information to make "informed decisions" about the food they buy.
Mr Bacon said 70% of imported pork products had been processed under animal welfare standards that would not be acceptable in this country.
Introducing his Food Labelling Bill, Mr Bacon told the Commons all producers should adhere to the "same high standards".
He was speaking after pig farmers launched a documentary series in the Lords detailing their struggle for fair prices.
The series, titled An Inconvenient Trough, tells how the retail price of pork has risen by about £1.60 per kilo over the past year following rocketing feed costs, but only about 26p of this has reached farmers.
He said: "This film draws attention to the conditions facing pig farmers, notably that 70% of the imports of pork products brought into the UK are produced to animal welfare standards that are unlawful in this country.
"It is in this context that we must look at country of origin labelling."
Copyright © PA Business 2008
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