CLA calls for clearer food labelling (From Wiltshire Times)

CLA calls for clearer food labelling

Consumers are not getting clear and consistent information when it comes to labels indicating where their food was grown or reared and where it was processed, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Now the CLA is calling for a clearer labeling system in the UK so that shoppers can easily and quickly identify exactly what they are buying and its origins.

CLA regional director, John Mortimer, said: "There is a heightened consumer interest in the quality of food and much of this depends on where the food was grown or reared and where and how it was processed. This increased interest is a superb opportunity for our farmers and growers and for our regional and local food producers as they work to some of the highest standards in the world. However, it is still possible to walk into your local supermarket and pick up a product and be unclear exactly where the ingredients came from and where they were processed. People would greatly benefit from easy access to this information as it is an indicator of quality and the animal welfare and environmental credentials of the food they are buying for their families.

"This is why the CLA will continue to lobby government and work with others in our sector until the UK consumer has access to a clear and consistent food origin labeling system."

The campaign for clearer food labeling forms part of the CLA's Food Chain Initiative a pro-active policy drawing together a series of CLA food-related campaigns.