FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Why is this Code of Practice only voluntary?
When will the code come into effect?
How will consumers know who is using the Code?
Is there a lot of misleading labelling in the UK?
How will it be policed?
Will all products from participating companies comply immediately?
Are consumers really interested in labelling?
Will branded pork products be covered?
Does this code apply to all products containing pork?
Can suppliers support the Code?
Who owns the Code of Practice?
Why is this Code of Practice only voluntary?
Changes in EU or UK legislation would take far longer to implement. However, the Code is based substantially on Food Standards Agency best practice advice and is therefore in line with possible future changes in legislation.
When will the code come into effect?
The Code will be implemented by a number of leading retailers and foodservice companies from 1 June 2010. In some cases existing packaging will need to be used up so supporting companies have until the end of the year to ensure all products are fully compliant with the Code.
How will consumers know who is using the Code?
This website has been developed to clearly show which retailers, foodservice companies and brands support the Code of Practice.
Is there a lot of misleading labelling in the UK?
Research by BPEX in mid 2009 showed that in the majority of cases retail labelling of country of origin was good. However, there are some products which remain a cause for concern which is why we are encouraging retailers, foodservice operators and branded manufacturers to sign up to the Code of Practice. In doing so, they will be able to provide their customers with the reassurance that the labelling of the pork products they sell is clear and unambiguous.
How will it be policed?
The Code will be self-policing. Supporters will be openly listed on www.porkprovenance.co.uk, which will be available to the public. A review of good labelling practice will be conducted by BPEX at the end of 2010 and published widely. Although there will be no formal auditing of the Code, a number of assurance schemes, such as Red Tractor, have independent auditing of the application of their logos.
Will all products from participating companies comply immediately?
Many of the pork and pork products sold by supporting companies will comply with the Code from the outset. However, using up stocks of existing packaging and making design changes to labelling and menus can take some time. All companies supporting the Code will have fully compliant labelling by the end of 2010. Companies supporting the Code after that point will be fully compliant within six months of signing up. Some farmers may have to change production systems to comply with parts of the Outdoor Bred definition. They can apply for a derogation but must be fully compliant by 1 June 2012.
Are consumers really interested in labelling?
Consumer research conducted by many organisations shows that although price and freshness are the most important drivers, clear and unambiguous labelling is an important consideration when consumers buy meat and meat products.
Will branded pork products be covered?
It is open to all manufacturers of branded pork products and it is hoped that many will support the Code of Practice.
Does this code apply to all products containing pork?
At the start the Code covers pork, bacon, gammon, ham, sausages and pork pies which is the vast majority of the pork market. Once the Code is established we will look to extend it to other products where pork is a significant ingredient.
Can suppliers support the Code?
Yes. Although many suppliers do not sell directly to consumers they have a vital role to play in ensuring that retailers, foodservice companies and branded manufacturers can provide accurate information to consumers.
Who owns the Code of Practice?
The whole supply chain from farmers through to retailers and foodservice companies own the Code. However, a sub-group of the Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force was set up to establish a clearer labelling code and one of those representatives (BPEX) will oversee the implementation and development of the Code.
SIGN UP FOR THE CODE
LINKS
PIG PRODUCTION METHODS