“However, 70 per cent of imported pork is produced to animal welfare standards which would be unlawful in this country.”

“The government must now work with farmers and the RSPCA to engage consumers in supporting the high standards of food safety, animal welfare and environmental care that lie at the heart of British farming.  A key element is clear country of origin labelling for all meat so that consumers can make an informed decision to support British farmers.” 

Mr Bacon, a parliamentary champion of the British pig industry, was speaking as the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee published its report into the English Pig Industry.  The report finds that much of the evidence received by the Committee suggests that the industry does not receive its fair share of the retail price when taking into account the cost of production and the investment needs of the industry.

Retailers and catering suppliers are responsible for ensuring that labelling of pig meat products is clear and unambiguous, but the report finds that the government, pig producers and animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA all have a role in making certain that consumers understand the difference between the standards of welfare in the various methods of pig production and that pig meat produced in the UK is of a high welfare standard.