Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about labelling food with details of the farming system used to produce it.

Given the £200 billion UK consumers spend each year on food, drink and catering services this is a very important issue. Consumer confidence is more important in this industry than in any other, and is key to the integrity of the supply chain.

The current regulations on food labelling require that any information, including on packaging, advertising, or other media, must not mislead consumers as to the characteristics of the food, including its method of manufacture or production. On prepacked food there is a specific mandate requiring that there be made clear the name of the food, its ingredients, any ingredients causing allergy or intolerance, the quantity of specific ingredients when this is important to consumers, the net quantity of the produce, the use-by or best before date, any special storage conditions, the name and address of the producer, the country of origin for a number of types of food, including fresh and frozen meat, instructions for use where required, alcoholic strength, and a nutrition declaration. There may be a case for looking at expanding the range of production method descriptions covered by such regulations in the future but this additional information must improve consumer understanding.

Leaving the EU creates opportunities to introduce clearer labelling. I do think it is important for there to be continuity at first, which is why the EU Withdrawal Bill will put all our existing regulations on food labelling and all other aspects on a legal footing in UK law. However, there will then be opportunities to revisit them over time. I welcome the Environment Secretary’s commitment to developing a new ‘gold standard’ food labelling system after we leave.

In the meantime there are some very good voluntary schemes that relate to methods of production, such as the RSPCA Assured scheme recognising high standards of animal welfare, British Lion eggs and the Red Tractor scheme. I know that my ministerial colleagues are keen to encourage those further.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

EDWARD LEIGH MP