The commission said UK media reports which said it was planning to introduce new rules over country of origin labeling, which would prevent the use of member state flags on packaging, were "not true".
“European Commission proposals on the labelling of pre-packaged fresh meat (from sheep, goats, poultry and pigs) will not prevent the use of the Union Jack or of other EU Member State flags,” said a spokesman for the EU Commission.
Clearer labeling in future
“Neither will they prevent the use of additional geographical labels such as Welsh or Scottish. Private logos such as the Red Tractor logo will still be permitted, too.”
The Commission confirmed it is looking to introduce clearer labeling of Member State origin that will make sure ‘when customers buy meat labelled as British they know it really is British and not, for example, just imported for slaughter’.
“This will be done without placing unnecessary burdens on producers and retailers,” the spokesman added.
Current discussions in Brussels are focused on “compulsory rules” for labeling of pre-packaged fresh meat – including clearer specification of Member State of origin.
Voluntary labels
“The use of flags and private logos is a different issue. It will be covered under separate proposed rules on “voluntary labels”,” said the EU spokesman.
“This is because while the Commission has no intention of banning flags and other logos on pre-packaged meat – it does not intend either to propose making them compulsory.”