October 2024
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This conference examined key priorities for food labelling in the UK.
It was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the way forward for policy and regulation, and priorities for the new Government.
Delegates assessed policy options for the new Government for making food labelling fairer and more transparent, improving consumer choice and boosting the market for higher welfare standards.
They examined proposals for mandatory country of origin and method of production labelling, with discussion on issues and practicalities for implementation, including a five-tier system for standards.
The agenda included a focus on priorities for the evidence base and use of data to determine how standards can be better measured and differentiated, as well as how this can be applied accurately across the whole lifecycle of an animal. It followed concerns raised by some stakeholders over whether proposed measures for product labelling can effectively deliver product transparency and improve welfare standards, with the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs recently announcing that egg labelling requirements are to be amended in an effort to support industry through bird flu outbreaks.
Delegates discussed the future under the new Government of the Food Data Transparency Partnership and a new standardised approach to eco-labelling. We expected discussion on what a collaborative, cross-sector strategic direction might look like, and options for making reporting mandatory. Attendees examined challenges for implementation, including methodology for climate data measuring and reporting, as well as methods for effective consumer communication to increase the uptake of sustainable food choices.
Sessions also assessed implications of proposals for industry and the wider agri-food sector, including fairness, considerations for small and large businesses across the supply chain, and how future policy might address concerns about added complexities and costs in the system, as well as strengthening the wider supply chain.
Delegates also looked at strategies for effective communication with consumers to improve understanding and increase awareness of product welfare, as well as how labels will be designed to effectively signpost standards.
Further areas for discussion included implications of transparency on food safety and standards, key issues for incorporating technology into labelling practices, and how future food labels may appear on packaging.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Dr James Cooper, Deputy Director, Policy, FSA; Jack Bobo, Director, Food Systems Institute, University of Nottingham; Catherine Jadav, Research Manager, Compassion in World Farming; Naomi Kissman, Social Impact Director, Institute of Grocery Distribution; Professor Monique Raats, Co-Director, Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey; Iain Walker, Director, Industry and Engagement, GS1 UK; and Fidelity Weston, Chair, CLEAR.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include a parliamentary pass-holder from the House of Commons and officials from Defra; FSA; FSS; DAERA, NI; APHA; GLD; HM Treasury; DfE; DoH, ROI; Invest NI; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
