The RSPCA has welcomed the Government’s response to the consultation on method of production labelling as Defra pledges to consider reforms which could be a game-changer for animal welfare.
This comes after more than a year of waiting and follows renewed calls from the RSPCA last month for the UK Government to release the outcome of this vital consultation into providing clearer, transparent labelling on animal products.
The consultation showed that 99% of individuals and 69% of organisations supported the idea of method of production labelling. However, this rose to 86% of organisations if applied to imported products as well as British foods.
The UK Government has acknowledged this strong support and pledged to “consider the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the UK Government’s development of an overarching approach to animal welfare and the wider food strategy.”
With the UK Government’s food strategy expected this summer, the charity hopes it will be a milestone summer for animal welfare.
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “The public want to know where their food comes from so we’re incredibly pleased to see the UK Government publishing the outcome of this vital consultation. This brings us one step closer to giving the public the information they need to make informed choices about what they eat.
“For too long, consumers have only been able to rely on voluntary assurance schemes like RSPCA Assured, to drive up standards and keep them informed. This legislative change has the potential to drive up animal welfare further as consumers are given the opportunity to vote with their wallets to ensure farmed animals have better lives.
“Overwhelmingly, the public agrees with 99% of individuals in favour of labelling which shows there is a real appetite for a clearer, more transparent food system.”
