Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (01/04/05)
Deficiencies in food information must be addressed, say MPs
The Government must act now to address deficiencies in the provision of food information to consumers by taking a more coordinated 'cross government' approach, according to a report published by the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. The report states that since World Trade Organisation rules prevent legislation for labelling on ethical concerns about food production, the food industry should demonstrate its own willingness to provide this information. The MPs also identified a 'gaping hole' in the compulsory provision of information to consumers about non-prepacked foods, such as food sold in catering or eating out sectors. The report is available from: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmenvfru.htm
Local foods present strong opportunities for growth, retailers told
Seven out of ten consumers want to buy local foods and 50% say they want to buy more than they do now, according to a new report by the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD). Freshness is cited as the main reason for this demand, but perceived taste, reputation, product integrity, provenance, and traceability all rank high on the list. Consumers also want to support their local producers and retailers, as well as the local economy and jobs. However, one in five in the survey who were not buying local food said it was generally too expensive and often higher in price than similar alternatives. Impulse buying is seen as the major reason for local and regional food purchases in supermarkets. Free copies of the full ‘The Local and Regional Food Opportunity’ report can be requested from IGD, see: www.igd.com/CIR.asp?menuid=9&cirid=1522
More people looking for ethical information on food labels
The Food Standards Agency's annual Consumer Attitudes to Food survey has revealed that more and more people are looking for ethical information on food labels, such as methods of production, from 14% in 2003 to 19% in 2004. The survey also reveals that the use of markets for any food shopping has increased significantly since 2003, with 25% of respondents now claiming to use markets for some food shopping, up from 19% in 2003. Download the survey report at: www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/casuk04.pdf
Defra's Catering Services and Food Procurement Toolkit
This (draft) toolkit provides practical guidance to enable the sustainable procurement of catering services (including vending and hospitality services) and of food direct from wholesalers and producers. It has been produced in consultation with public sector bodies and food service companies including the Food Standards Agency, the Countryside Agency, and the Meat and Livestock Commission. The toolkit includes sections on procurement strategy, invitation to tender questionnaire, evaluation of tenders, and model specifications and clauses. Download the toolkit at: www.defra.gov.uk/farm/sustain/procurement/tools.htm
Sustainable farming and food research priorities
Research should focus more on helping to balance environmental, social and economic issues in order to help consumers, farmers, food producers and countryside communities, government advisers have said. The independent Sustainable Farming and Food Research Priorities Group wants research funded by government and industry to concentrate more on issues such as climate change, environment and landscape, quality and composition of food, and disruption of the food supply and understanding sustainability. See: www.defra.gov.uk/science/rpg/research_priorities.htm
Methodologies for food traceability and authentication
Studies are now underway to protect consumers by ensuring that they know what they are buying and foods labelled as European, organic or wild, are the genuine article. At an FSA seminar, Simon Kelly of the Institute of Food Research said that mislabelling was increasing in order to gain premium prices paid for higher value goods. Methods to identify origin and methods of production are to be further developed through a five-year Tracing Food Commodities in Europe (TRACE) project. See: www.trace.eu.org/
New Forest Breakfast
A new initiative aims to reconnect New Forest farmers with the local economy and benefit the environment after research showed that many hotels and B&Bs are interested in good local food, but do not know producers or have the time to collect supplies. The scheme, 'New Forest Breakfast' will enable buyers to get all the locally-produced ingredients from one of four outlets, which manage the ordering and collection service. Situated at convenient points in the Forest, these outlets will help to save 'food miles' by running their own van service which collects from a number of producers. Source: Farmers Guardian.
Food safety guide for farmers markets in Scotland
The Food Standards Agency Scotland has published a guide to help keep food safe in farmers markets. See: www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2005/mar/farmmarkguide
Local to Sussex
Budgens has launched a partnership with A Taste of Sussex, introducing 100-strong range of locally sourced products in a number of its Sussex store. Source: The Grocer
Eat Anglia
A new home delivery service has been set up to serve East Anglia. The new venture, Eat Anglia, currently supplies local food and drink up to 20 miles from its base. See: www.eatanglia.co.uk/customer/home.php. Source: The Grocer
PGI for Lea and Perrins?
Lea and Perrins is considering an application for Protected Geographical Indication status for Worcestershire sauce in the wake of the Sudan 1 recall. The company has 99% of the UK branded Worcester sauce market. Source: The Grocer
EVENTS
1- 2 May: Celebrate the Taste Food Fair,
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Tel: 01243 811363
6 -7 May, Tewkesbury Food & Drink Festival
7 - 15 May, Christchurch Food Festival
See: www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk/
15 May, Watercress Festival
Alresford, Hampshire, Tel: 01962 845999
19 May, Devon Country Fair
See: www.devoncountyshow.co.uk/home.asp
28 May, Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling
See: www.cheese-rolling.co.uk/
30 May, Northumberland Country Show
Corbridge, Nr Hexham
