We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.RABDF calls for clearer labelling of cheese to halt imports
THE Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) is calling for tough new labelling laws to ensure the country of origin of cheese is clearly defined.
It wants action to stem escalating cheese imports, which have increased by almost 15 per cent in the last five years and last year amounted to 408,000 tonnes, the equivalent of over four billion litres of liquid milk.
Of particular concern is cheddar cheese, imports of which increased to over 62,003 tonnes between January and June, compared with 48,633t over the same period last year.
RABDF is concerned that under current labelling laws, much of the cheddar labelled as ‘packaged in Britain’ will have been produced overseas, particularly in the Republic of Ireland.
RABDF chairman Lyndon Edwards said consumers were currently presented with ‘an array of misleading labelling on cheese’.
“While the vast majority carries UK on the label, that means it can be packaged in the UK,” he said.
“We believe the only solution to removing the current loopholes in identification of cheese is for Government to change the rules that retailers use for labelling.
“We are therefore appealing to Government to introduce legislation that provides consumers with clear and accurate labelling reflecting the country of origin of cow’s milk right through to the processor and retailer.”
He added that the only guarantee that cheese has been made with British milk produced to Assured Food Standards is to introduce both the Red Tractor and a Union Jack to the packaging.
Mr Edwards said cheese imports were increasing as a result of Britain’s dwindling milk supply.
“Consumers’ food purchasing habits are influenced by source of origin,” he said.
“We believe that introducing labelling to cheese which provides accurate information will encourage increased sales of British cheese and in turn strengthen the market for British milk.
“We also need consumers to wholeheartedly support the campaign and ask retailers where exactly their cheese is sourced from.”
