Consumers must not be misled when ordering Welsh Lamb

The Farmers’ Union of Wales described the news that Welsh lamb was being routinely mis-sold on the menus of North Wales eateries as a significant step backwards in the promotion of quality Welsh produce.

Of the 244 restaurants, pubs, takeaways and hotels, targeted by a Trading Standards Probe, a staggering 50 per cent were unable to identify the origin of products which were being described and sold as Welsh lamb.

Reacting to the news, Union President Gareth Vaughan said: “Farmers in Wales have good reason to want accurate and unambiguous labelling of Welsh lamb.

In the past few years, imported meat has been the subject of a number of mislabelling incidents which could have tarnished the quality image of food produced in Wales.

Welsh farmers are rightly proud of their produce and the high welfare, sustainability and environmental ethics inherent in Welsh farming.

The FUW has worked hard to promote home-grown produce and our long-standing and successful Buy the Welsh One campaign reflects our commitment to the Welsh farming industry.

It is therefore galling to think that some businesses in Wales have been routinely deceiving their customers.

It demonstrates a complete lack of support for the Welsh agricultural sector.

Whilst this news comes as a vast disappointment to all those who have campaigned hard to promote Welsh Lamb, the good news is that the authorities are now catching up with these businesses.