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Launch of public consultation on the beef and veal labelling regulations 2008

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (203/08) issued by The Government News Network on 1 July 2008

Information Bulletin

The Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) has today launched a public consultation on the implementation of new European laws concerning the marketing of meat from bovine animals aged 12 months or less.

In the UK, meat from animals slaughtered aged 8 months or less must now be labelled as 'veal', while meat from animals aged over 8 months but not more than 12 months must be labelled as 'beef.' The EU legislation provides the option of adding supplementary wording subject to the existing voluntary Beef Labelling Scheme approval procedures. The arrangements are intended to provide flexibility to allow industries in the UK to adapt to the new rules as easily as possible.

The Government proposes to take the most flexible approach possible to the implementation of this legislation within the bounds of the EU regulation so as to minimise disruption to existing trade.

Those involved in the production, slaughter, trade, sale (both wholesale and retail including supermarkets) and purchase of meat from bovine animals aged 12 months or less will be affected by the new measure.

The closing date for comments is 29 July 2008. To take view and respond to the consultation documents click here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/beefveal-labelling/

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