THE NFU has called for the UK’s high animal welfare standards to be replicated following renewed anger from farmers across the region after the discovery that some Findus products were 100 per cent horse.
The union called for Britain’s high welfare standards and traceability to be copied further down the supply chain and has emphasised to consumers that contamination issues have nothing to do with the integrity of UK farmed products.
Shoppers seeking reassurance are advised to buy 100 per cent British produce.
NFU president Peter Kendall said: “Our members are rightly angry and concerned with the recent developments relating to contaminated processed meat products. The contamination took place post farm gate which farmers have no control over.
“This has never been a farming issue but it is certainly an issue that farmers will be taking extremely seriously.
“The NFU is working with the industry to uphold the reputation of British farmers who are committed to producing world class raw ingredients in to the supply chain.
“We are concerned about the ramifications for the industry as a whole which is why we are meeting with retailers, food service companies, processors, as well as the FSA and Defra, to establish the facts and seek reassurance that the integrity of British food is maintained.
“This whole system of quality is being completely undermined by failures within the supply chain and reinforces our call for clearer labelling and a commitment from retailers to British produce.
“In the meantime, shoppers should look for the Red Tractor logo on their fresh meat which shows the products they buy have been produced to world-class standards, which are independently inspected.”
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