Nine in 10 veterinary surgeons would be more likely to buy meat, dairy, eggs or fish if it was either British or locally sourced.

BVA survey reveals that vets vote British when it comes to buying produce

British veterinary surgeons care about where their fish, meat eggs and dairy products come from, with an overwhelming majority buying British - a survey by the the BVA has revealed.

The BVA has released statistics from its Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey to coincide with the launch of British Food Fortnight (September 20 to October 5, 2014). The survey reveals that nine in 10 veterinary surgeons would be more likely to buy meat, dairy, eggs or fish if it was either British (90 per cent) or locally sourced (88 per cent).

The survey also revealed that seven in 10 veterinary surgeons actively seek out information about the origin of their food before choosing where to eat or by making a purchase, by checking labels or asking in restaurants. Some practitioners questioned specified that they only buy their meat from sources they trust while others have their own livestock.

Robin Hargreaves, president of the BVA, commented: "These results show how much British vets understand and care about the importance of animal welfare and food safety, and how that affects the food we put on our plates.

"In Britain, we have some of the highest animal welfare and food hygiene standards in the world. Our members play a vital role in maintaining  those standards, from production animal vets working closely with farmers to vets working in food production who ensure the safety and quality of the food we eat.

This experience and knowledge is reflected in what vets choose to eat themselves. It is clear from the survey that when it comes to choosing meat, fish, dairy, or eggs, vets vote British." 

For more information about the survey, go to http://www.bva.co.uk/voice/.