Originally from: David
                        
READ THE LABEL ? Andrew Bebb, FFA Label Watch co-ordinator
I am aiming this article at the person who does the weekly shop in your household.

• Do you know where the food you buy comes from?
• Can you be sure its British?
• Have you read the small print on the label?
• Why is here no country of origin?
• What does product of EU mean?
  Our LabelWatch campaign aims to improve the clarity and honesty of labelling. I have recently been given the responsibility of running LabelWatch after being actively involved for a couple of years. During this time, Farmers For Action has had an influence in improving food labelling. You can help and you can make a difference. We still have a long way to go. When you are next in a supermarket, spare a few minutes looking at the pre-packed beef. Familiarise yourself with the label format. The following information should appear: –
  Price per kilo, weight, pack price, date and traceability details.
  I.e. Slaughtered In (sl.in) IRL 936 (Abattoir of slaughter, in this case in Ireland.)
  Cut In UK 4733( The plant where the carcass was cut up)

– The plant where this joint of meat was pre-packed

BATCH NO 1642
Some supermarkets only sell British beef, but if Irish is present, estimate the percentage and make a note. Also, is non-British meat segregated? Some supermarket chains willingly separate meat from different countries, why not them all?
Please feel free to respond if you can help, the more replies I receive the more accurate the information. Let me have typical beef label details from your local large supermarket, any discounts or promotions and the percentage of British beef on sale.
Next month we will look at lamb.
Warning ? label watching can become addictive!!
Tel/Fax me on 01743 860113 – Mobile 07811 779557 – or E mail ....