Defra planning another consultation on animal welfare labelling, farming minister Mark Spencer has confirmed in parliament.
Last year, a first consultation was held into the effect of mandatory animal welfare labelling last year. Now Spencer confirmed a further consultation will happen this year. “Consultation proposals are being co-developed with stakeholders across the supply chain,” he said.
Trade bodies including the NFU and British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) have written to Spencer raising concerns about the planning labelling system, specifically about the possibility for consumer misunderstanding and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Defra’s first consultation sought views on which welfare standards could form the basis of a possible food label for animal welfare, and what the label might look like. Defra is also looking for information on the potential scope, regulation, and enforcement of such a labelling scheme.