The European Commission and UK Government have agreed requirements for retail food labelling. A label can be used at different levels, starting with individual products, boxes, shelf signs and posters. Milk, butter, meat, fish and vegetables will be labeled “non-EU” across Britain, not just Northern Ireland, the government announced in its latest Brexit plan.
green stripe
From October, almost all British food products transported to Northern Ireland will be able to pass through the “Green Strip”. The green stripe will ensure that goods sent from the UK do not need to undergo border controls to meet EU standards.
Confusion and resistance
However, new labeling rules enacted under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Windsor Framework Agreement have caused confusion among business owners who have sought further clarification from the government.
Andrew Opie, a member of the British Retail Consortium, said: “If we don’t hear actionable guidance soon, there will be problems in the supply chain in October.”
Some British politicians and businessmen are skeptical of the new regulations. Former minister David Jones: “There is no good reason for food produced and sold in any part of the UK to be labeled ‘not for the EU’, let alone if it is sold in mainland Britain.”
Nigel Dodds, a member of the House of Lords, called the new rules “stupid”, adding: “This is a huge extra cost and inconvenience for all UK manufacturers. These stickers should be put on every pre-packed food item.”
Source: firstpost.com
