Dairy UK supports Country of Origin Labelling initiative

Dairy UK has today expressed support for the voluntary principles on country of origin labelling developed by the industry with facilitation from Defra.

Dairy UK has made no secret of the pressing need for effective arrangements for country of origin labelling for milk and dairy products, particularly cheese, said Director General Jim Begg. We therefore see this initiative, which has been developed by industry in conjunction with Defra and which, crucially, has the support of both retailers and suppliers, as an important step forward.

Food and Farming Minister Jim Paice said: Im delighted to see the food industry come together to build on good progress already made in labelling food with the country of its origin.  I am pleased that a large number of food companies have already committed to follow the principles agreed today and are encouraging others to also do so.  These principles will mean a consistency of information that will reduce confusion and ensure British consumers will be the best informed in Europe.

Dairy UK is a trade association that represents the interests of dairy farmers, producer co-ops, milk processors and doorstep deliverymen. For more information visit www.dairyUK.org.