Food labelling "is a matter for retailers", says PM
BVA is calling for an end to non-stun slaughter.
Prime Minister David Cameron will not intervene when it comes to food labelling, the BBC has reported.
The BVA recently launched a Government e-petition calling for a ban on slaughter without pre-stunning.
UK and EU law currently prohibits the practice of non-stun slaughter, with religious exceptions for the production of halal and kosher meat.
BVA states its campaign relates to animal welfare, not religion, as scientific evidence demonstrate that slaughter without pre-stunning compromises welfare.
The organisation notes that 80 per cent of halal meat in the UK is stunned before slaughter.
The humane slaughter debate recently hit national headlines as it was revealed a number of products being sold in leading supermarkets could be classified as halal, but were not labelled as such.
According to reports, retailers have said the animals were stunned before slaughter.
In response, the BBC reports that David Cameron's spokesperson says the Prime Minister will not intervene on the labelling of ritually slaughtered meat as "it is a matter for retailers and restaurants to work with consumer groups and representatives of faith organisations."
While non-slaughter is permitted, BVA is calling for clearer labelling of food to allow consumers to make an informed choice. View the petition online: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/64331
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
