In an interview for Times Radio, Dame Angela Eagle dismissed claims that aligning with EU regulations that have outlawed the use of ‘meaty’ terms to describe plant-based foods will mean a ban on smoky bacon crisps and other snacks.
Comments made by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have led to media criticism and seen her drawn into an argument about EU regulations.
Eagle dismisses crisp ban claims in Times Radio interview
Dame Angela Eagle was being interviewed by Stig Abell on the Times Radio breakfast show on 5th November when he asked her to comment on whether closer realignment with the EU on food standards would mean the banning of smoky bacon crisps, or the labelling of smoky bacon crisps, to which she responded: “We’ve had EU straight bananas and now we’re talking about banning smoky bacon crisps. I think you should get a life.”
In further comments, she said that the aim of the SPS agreement is to “ensure that we can do trade with our closest neighbours” and enable farmers and producers to export into Europe without the “uncertainty and the costs of frictions that Brexit brought”.
What will the SPS agreement mean for meat labelling?
The UK-EU SPS agreement is due to be finalised at a summit on 20th November. Under the scope of the SPS agreement, the amendment to Regulation (EU) 2026/1739, banning ‘meaty’ labelling, will apply. This regulation created provisions banning 31 terms such as ‘beef’, ‘steak’, ‘pork’ and ‘bacon’ from use on products that do not contain meat, and may mean that certain UK products need to be reformulated or repackaged.
The new rules on meat-related designations are due to apply from 19th August 2029, and businesses will be able to use up and sell existing stocks until August 2032.
In a statement, Defra said: “Smoky bacon crisps will be available under our deal, which will deliver up to £5.1 billion a year for the UK economy, slashing the costly red tape that only helps drive up supermarket prices and stifle trade.”
It went on to say that Government will publish guidance ahead of the date of the application of new rules and added that some accommodations to EU law will be required “to account for GB-specific conditions,” subject to ongoing discussions with the EU.
