Proposed EU legislation requires country-of-origin labeling for poultry, pork

European Union farm ministers have agreed overwhelmingly to support new legislation that would require clear country-of-origin labeling for pork and chicken.
The proposed law will be put before the European Parliament in June 2011. This follows votes in favor this year by the Parliament’s environment and consumer protection committee in March and by members of the European Parliament in June.
British farmers' union NFU has been among those lobbying for country-of-origin labels on meat, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables and other single-ingredient products. “People buying meat and poultry products want to know where the animal was reared so they know exactly what they are eating," said NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond. "However, the lack of transparency [in current food in labeling] makes this difficult. Labeling needs to provide accurate, clear and relevant information so consumers can make an informed choice.”