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/
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
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