BRANDED MANUFACTURERS
The Code of Practice applies to branded pork and pork products on sale in supermarkets and other retail outlets and through the foodservice sector. Brand manufacturers are therefore encouraged to sign up to the Code.
Research shows that consumers want clear and unambiguous labelling on food packaging so that they have the ability to make an informed choice. In the case of pork and pork products shoppers are particularly interested in country of origin, pig production terms – such as free range – and the use of breed names.
The principal aim of the Code of Practice is to ensure that the country of origin is clearly displayed on pack. For example, terms such as ‘Produced in the UK’ can be ambiguous if origin is not qualified.
The key elements of the Code of Practice for manufacturers of branded products include:
-
- A commitment to clearly display the country of origin on pack
-
- Where single country of origin is displayed it means that the pig was born, reared and slaughtered in that country
-
- The term “produced in the UK” will not be used without qualification of the origin of the pork
-
- The use of national terms and symbols (such as flags) will mean that the pork comes from that country
-
- Product specific terms such as ‘Wiltshire Cure’ will mean that the pork used to make the product comes from within the UK. If not the origin will be clearly stated
- Imagery that could imply UK origin will only be used on UK origin product, otherwise there will be a statement of origin on the pack
The benefit of the Code for branded manufacturers is in providing easier, more informed choice for shoppers, leading to greater sales of pork products.
