Listen
Country of Origin Labelling (COOL)
04/02/2010
A Food Standards Agency (FSA) consumer survey shows that the importance of accurate Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) is of increasing importance to Scottish consumers.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"This survey vindicates our approach of pursuing mandatory country of origin labelling through the EU Food Information Regulations negotiations. I have recently once again written to the UK Government on this issue after Defra confirmed it has gone back on its word and will no longer be pursuing a stronger negotiating line for the UK.
"Country of origin labelling can help provide Scots consumers with greater clarity and guidance about the food they buy and strengthen Scotland's reputation as a land of food and drink. The sooner European legislation allows countries to introduce mandatory origin labelling the better.
"We are also continuing to work with the industry to ensure people know more about where their food comes from. This includes a new tool kit for hotels and restaurants - which will be launched in the very near future - and new origin labelling consumer advice and guidance by FSA Scotland."