Also, there is an increasing public interest in the subject, particularly in the precise meanings of definitions such as ‘free range’, ‘outdoor reared’ etc.

Legally defined terms
The pig sector is not like the poultry sector, where there are legally defined terms for production systems. Therefore, RSPCA and BPEX have been working with a small group of producers, looking at the possibility of producing a set of clear definitions of production system terms.

“We propose to start by defining the terms in current use on retail packs and on menus. We have completed the first stage of this and before we go any further we would like to get the views of producers,” stated BPEX chief executive Mick Sloyan and RSPCA head of farm animals Julia Wrathall.  

The terms are:

It is proposed these terms be used in a voluntary code of practice for the labelling of pork and pork products sold at retail and in foodservice.

The proposed definitions and their meanings will be the subject of a special edition of NPA News Digest next week.

 

It has been further reported that producers are asked to respond with their views by 8 January.