Menu
25/07/2001
Food watchdog to take action on misleading labelling
Consumers in the province are being misled by meaningless descriptions like ‘country style’ and vague terms such as ‘fresh’, ‘traditional’ and ‘homemade’ on food labels.
A recent report by the Food Advisory Committee, the result of a two-year study for the Food Standards Agency, slams the food industry for misusing terms and says tighter enforcement is needed.
The committee studied the use of the terms: fresh; natural; pure; traditional; original; authentic; homemade; and farmhouse, and the Food Standards Agency is to use the report as the basis of consultation on new industry standards that will aim to protect consumers and also provide a framework for more effective enforcement.
Paying tribute to the Food Advisory Committee members who have produced the report Michael Walker, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency said: "This is an important study which takes forward the rights of consumers and doesn’t pull any punches.
"People have a basic right to clear and meaningful labels so that they know what they are really buying – this goes to the very heart of consumer choice. "Terms such as fresh, pure or authentic can be misused and, to quote the report, ‘labellers have a tendency to be economical with the truth.’
Setting out a number of detailed recommendations, the report will be used by the Food Standards Agency as the basis for advice to industry and as guidelines for enforcement authorities on when these terms should and should not be used.
The report also considered the use of pictures on food labels and advertising and recommends that they should be governed by the same guidance as terms and phrases. In particular the report concluded that food labelling using ‘country style’ should be avoided and that ‘farmhouse’ should be used sparingly.
Recent consumer research indicated that almost 75 percent of consumers found certain terms commonly used in food labels misleading.
Publication of the established standards will be followed up by further surveys and regular spot-checks.
(SP)
A recent report by the Food Advisory Committee, the result of a two-year study for the Food Standards Agency, slams the food industry for misusing terms and says tighter enforcement is needed.
The committee studied the use of the terms: fresh; natural; pure; traditional; original; authentic; homemade; and farmhouse, and the Food Standards Agency is to use the report as the basis of consultation on new industry standards that will aim to protect consumers and also provide a framework for more effective enforcement.
Paying tribute to the Food Advisory Committee members who have produced the report Michael Walker, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency said: "This is an important study which takes forward the rights of consumers and doesn’t pull any punches.
"People have a basic right to clear and meaningful labels so that they know what they are really buying – this goes to the very heart of consumer choice. "Terms such as fresh, pure or authentic can be misused and, to quote the report, ‘labellers have a tendency to be economical with the truth.’
Setting out a number of detailed recommendations, the report will be used by the Food Standards Agency as the basis for advice to industry and as guidelines for enforcement authorities on when these terms should and should not be used.
The report also considered the use of pictures on food labels and advertising and recommends that they should be governed by the same guidance as terms and phrases. In particular the report concluded that food labelling using ‘country style’ should be avoided and that ‘farmhouse’ should be used sparingly.
Recent consumer research indicated that almost 75 percent of consumers found certain terms commonly used in food labels misleading.
Publication of the established standards will be followed up by further surveys and regular spot-checks.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 January 2007
Belfast food outlets to be rated online
Eating establishments in Belfast are soon to be rated on a new website to be set up by Belfast City Council. The website, which will be known as 'Scores on the Doors', will provide a facility for consumers to be able check whether the standard of the food served at the premises is up to scratch.
Belfast food outlets to be rated online
Eating establishments in Belfast are soon to be rated on a new website to be set up by Belfast City Council. The website, which will be known as 'Scores on the Doors', will provide a facility for consumers to be able check whether the standard of the food served at the premises is up to scratch.
17 February 2003
NI survey reveals increase in healthier eating
The third annual UK Consumer Attitudes to Food survey, published today by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), has revealed that just under four out of ten of those interviewed in Northern Ireland (38%) claimed to be eating more healthily this year - a significant increase compared to 2000 (33%).
NI survey reveals increase in healthier eating
The third annual UK Consumer Attitudes to Food survey, published today by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), has revealed that just under four out of ten of those interviewed in Northern Ireland (38%) claimed to be eating more healthily this year - a significant increase compared to 2000 (33%).
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
13 December 2013
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
20 June 2011
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
