This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Beef to be labelled with country of origin
08/02/2007
Catering establishments will have to tell customers which country their beef comes from, it was confirmed today.
The requirement to provide better information to consumers will apply to restaurants, pubs, cafes, hotels and other food outlets in Scotland.
Food Minister Ross Finnie said:
"Scotland is world renowned for its beef. With consumers having an increasing interest in where their food comes from, many are frankly staggered to find out that Aberdeen Angus beef can come from South America.
"Retailers and wholesalers already provide information on the country of origin of beef. In extending the requirement to the food service sector, consumers who want to eat British will have the information to do so.
"It will be important that we achieve this without imposing unnecessary burdens. I will ensure that in developing the regulations and accompanying guidance on labelling we minimise potential costs to the food service industry."
A working group comprising representatives of the hospitality sector small business and food enforcement representatives will reconvene to ensure that regulation and guidance are practical and minimise costs for the industry while also ensuring that consumers in Scotland are provided with information about the country of origin of beef.
Draft regulations and accompanying guidance notes will be consulted on and submitted to the European Commission prior to consideration by the Scottish Parliament.
There is clear evidence of confusion about the country of origin of beef sold in the food service sector. For example, consumers frequently make the incorrect assumption that beef is domestically produced, and that all Aberdeen Angus beef is of Scottish origin. Aberdeen Angus is a breed of cattle and can be imported from outwith the UK.
A Scottish Executive consultation exercise in 2006 demonstrated a general view that consumers could be better informed about the country of origin of beef served by the food service sector. Link to full responses Country of Origin of Beef in the Food Service Sector is at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/03/28171052/0
The Executive has already introduced a Beef Labelling Regulation in the retail sector; this will now be extended to the food service sector. France and Ireland have already introduced measures that require their food service sectors to make beef country of origin information available to consumers.