Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to improve the labelling of milk products so that it is easier to identify their country of origin.

The Secretary of State met with European Commissioners in November to press for better country of origin labelling of milk and milk products. We have been encouraging businesses to volunteer the origin of the liquid milk in dairy products through the UK industry Voluntary Principles on Country of Origin Labelling.

The Commission is due to publish a feasibility report in February on origin labelling of milk and milk products. We expect this be discussed at the 16 March Agriculture and Fisheries Council.