Food producers and retailers have been urged by the government to give more information on labels about where in Britain their food comes from.
The call, issued by environment secretary, Elizabeth Truss, comes as new research shows almost 80% of people see buying local food as a top priority.
“The figures highlight the enthusiasm of British consumers for our astonishing variety of local produce which helps grow our £100bn food and farming industry even further,” said Ms Truss (pictured above), speaking in support of the launch of British Food Fortnight.
“I would encourage everyone to use British Food Fortnight to celebrate the diversity, quality and tradition of food and drink across the country.”
Stating that the government had already “pushed” for country of origin labelling for fresh, unprocessed goat, pork, lamb and poultry which has been required by law since April this year, she said that research from 2013 showed that around 90% of retailers went further to provide clearer country of origin labelling for lightly processed products such as bacon, sausages and burgers.
“Later this year, the government will also launch Great British Food, an initiative that will take the lead in celebrating top-quality British produce both at home and abroad,” she said, “working with retailers to embrace the demand for British food, and increasing the number of protected food names to promote British specialities across the world.”