The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published revised guidance for country of origin labelling. It has been designed to benefit consumers and to further the FSA’s commitment to improve food labelling and to encourage consistency.

The guidance will apply to manufacturers, producers, retailers and caterers with the objective of putting an end to misleading labelling, as well as acting as a help to enforcement authorities.

The guidance is split into three sections, which explain the legal requirements that need to be followed, how to avoid misleading labelling, and advice on best practice.

There is advice specific to certain foods, such as beef, eggs and fruit and vegetables as to how the country of origin labelling applies to them, as well as details on the penalties for breaching the legislation.

Certain foods are exempt for this legislation, which include, in certain circumstances, white bread and flour confectionery, and individually wrapped fancy confectionery products not enclosed in any further packaging and which are intended for sale as single items.

Info on the new guidance can be obtained from the FSA’s website: www.foodstandards.gov.uk