NFU Scotland has welcomed the commitment announced today by Asda to ensure open labelling of the country of origin of all products on its shelves.

NFU Scotland has long argued for clear labelling for consumers to ensure they can make an informed choice on the food they buy.

NFU Scotland president John Kinnaird, at Asda's annual farming conference in Leeds today, said: 'Loopholes in EU food labelling law have only produced confusion for consumers and frustration from farmers.

Terms such as 'Product of the EU' and what qualifies for such a label provide no clear guidance as to the origin of food on our supermarket shelves.

'This move announced today by Asda is welcome and something NFU Scotland has campaigned on for some time. Open and clear country of origin labelling has been absent for too long and NFUS will continue to press for all retail and catering outlets to provide clear labelling to consumers.

'Scottish farming has gone to great lengths to ensure it can provide assurances on food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection.

Consumers should have the information to choose between produce from this country or that from elsewhere and this marks an important step forward in providing that.'

Topics