UK postpones meat and dairy labelling plan amid producer chaos

The UK government has indefinitely postponed plans to implement 'not for EU' labels on meat and dairy products sold across Britain, originally set for October 2023. This decision follows warnings from industry groups about potential chaos for producers and suppliers, with the Food and Drink Federation estimating compliance costs could reach £250 million annually. The labelling requirement was part of a broader strategy to ensure goods sent from Britain to Northern Ireland complied with EU regulations, preventing circumvention of customs checks. The initiative was intended to extend existing labelling rules already in place for products sent to Northern Ireland since October 2023. However, the lack of clarity surrounding the implementation led to confusion among businesses, with some retailers already preparing for the October deadline while others hesitated. This uncertainty has resulted in additional costs and logistical challenges for food producers. Trade bodies, including the Provision Trade Federation and the National Farmers’ Union, expressed dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the situation, urging for a delay or cancellation of the plan. They highlighted the administrative burden and financial strain that the new labelling requirements would impose on the industry. Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, welcomed the postponement, stating that proceeding with the initiative would have caused significant disruption and unnecessary costs for dairy businesses. The government is now reviewing the policy, engaging with industry stakeholders to ensure a smoother flow of goods to Northern Ireland while protecting the UK internal market.