MPs have co-signed a letter to Government calling for animal welfare labelling to be made mandatory on meat products to strengthen trust in the UK’s food labels.
In a letter addressed to Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle, MPs stated: “We are writing to encourage the Government to make swift progress on the introduction of regulations to make clear and consistent animal welfare labelling of meat products mandatory, and to work with relevant agencies to improve enforcement of existing laws governing the misinformation that surrounds animal products, including false advertising.”
The letter was signed by 22 cross-party MPs and members of the House of Lords, urging Defra to implement fairer food labelling “without delay”. It said that this would underscore that clearer standards would reward responsible farmers, restore trust in food labels and strengthen the UK’s reputation for high animal welfare standards.
The signatories warned that “misleading and inconsistent” labelling would prevent shoppers from making informed choices and is “undermining animal welfare”.
“The Government must act without delay to introduce clear, consistent, mandatory method-of-production labelling.”
Sarah Dyke MP
Sarah Dyke MP for Glastonbury and Somerton and Liberal Democrats rural affairs spokesperson, stated: “People want to buy food that matches their values, but right now it’s too easy for shoppers to be misled by vague welfare claims on meat products that are masking low-welfare practices like caging. This is not fair on families trying to make informed choices or on farmers who are trying to improve their standards.
“The Government must act without delay to introduce clear, consistent, mandatory method-of-production labelling and to enforce existing consumer protection laws. Shoppers, farmers and animals all deserve markets to be driven by the truth, not marketing spin.”
The UK-EU agrifood trade deal, currently under negotiation, will cut red tape and ease food trade, though the signatories said it could also bind the UK to ongoing alignment with EU meat labelling laws. Charities are urging the Government to secure clear carve-outs that would ensure that the UK could unilaterally adopt method-of-production labelling, with the agreement expected to be finalised later this year in order to enter into force in mid-2027.
AIMS says changes must be “carefully considered”
Jason Aldiss, executive director of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), commented: “AIMS recognises the importance of clear and transparent information for consumers, and we support efforts to improve understanding of how meat is produced. However, any move towards mandatory welfare labelling must be carefully considered to ensure it is evidence-based, proportionate, doesn’t cause unintended consequences and is practical for all parts of the supply chain, including small and medium-sized abattoirs.
“There is a risk that overly simplistic labelling could mislead consumers or fail to reflect the high welfare standards that already exist across much of the UK industry. It is essential that any framework is consistent, properly defined, and developed in consultation with industry stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences, including increased costs and reduced competitiveness.
“We would welcome further engagement on how best to deliver meaningful, accurate information to consumers without placing unnecessary burdens on processors or compromising the viability of smaller operators.”
