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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th February 2010
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New Food Labelling Code
The launch of a new voluntary code of practice today means shoppers can now look forward to clear and consistent labelling on UK pork products for terms such as free range, outdoor bred and outdoor reared.

When it comes to buying pork products, consumers say they do not have enough information to make informed decisions and are confused about terms such as ‘outdoor bred’ and ‘outdoor reared’ and the conditions in which pigs are actually reared.

The new voluntary code, which also covers country of origin and breed labelling, aims to clear up this confusion. It is the work of the Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force [set up under Defra and chaired by the Food and Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick], which has worked in consultation with the RSPCA, retailers and the pig industry to draw up the production method labelling definitions.

The RSPCA are celebrating this development as a key move in farm animal welfare. “This is great news for people and pigs alike. We are right behind the development of this code as we believe it is essential that all pig meat is clearly and consistently labelled so shoppers can make an informed choice about what production methods they are supporting through their purchases,” said Kate Parkes, RSPCA farm animal scientist

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.