WE WANT to know where our meat comes from, but not if it will cost us to find out, it seems.
A report published on 17 December by the European Commission found that 90 per cent of consumers thought it important that the country of origin should be indicated on all meat products. But only 20 per cent of respondents said they were willing to pay 5 to 10 per cent more money for the information.
UK consumers' sensitivity to the origins of their meat has increased over recent decades, exacerbated by the BSE outbreak and the more recent scandal in which horsemeat was sold as beef and pork in several products.
Indication of origin is mandatory for unprocessed beef and beef products, and the commission is looking into extending this to include all meat used as an ingredient in pre-packed foods. There is less concern over unprocessed meat from other animals as those supply chains are less convoluted, with less room for abuse.
This article appeared in print under the headline "Meat source"
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