The UK government has decided to postpone the implementation of ‘Not for EU’ stickers on food products.
- The proposed labels were intended for meat, fish, and dairy products sold within the UK.
- This decision follows pressure from food industry stakeholders who anticipate significant costs.
- Industry leaders argue the labels would increase consumer prices and administrative burdens.
- The government aims to evaluate the impact on the UK market before proceeding.
The UK government has announced the indefinite postponement of the planned ‘Not for EU’ labels for meat, fish, and dairy products sold within the country. These labels were intended to be introduced as part of post-Brexit regulatory measures starting from 1 October, but have now been halted. This move is largely in response to concerns raised by the food industry over the financial implications of implementing such a labelling system.
Food products being exported to Northern Ireland are currently required to bear the ‘Not for EU’ stickers, a regulation that was not warmly received by producers, leading to pressures for a re-evaluation. Food and Drink Federation’s chief executive, Karen Betts, previously warned that these labelling requirements could lead to increased prices for consumers and diminish investment within the sector.
The decision to delay the labelling initiative has been welcomed by key industry figures. Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, expressed relief at the government’s decision, noting that the implementation would have caused ‘chaos for dairy’ and imposed ‘unnecessary costs and administrative burdens’ on businesses. Her sentiments reflect widespread concern among food producers about the potential economic impact of these regulatory changes.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that ministers are assessing the evidence from the ‘Not for EU’ labelling consultation. This engagement with industry representatives signifies the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless flow of goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, safeguarding the integrity of the internal market.
In addition to the postponement of the ‘Not for EU’ stickers, the UK government has also delayed post-Brexit checks on certain fruits and vegetables imported from the EU. Originally scheduled for introduction on 1 January, these checks on products such as celery and tomatoes have been deferred until 1 July, allowing for further analysis of their potential impact on businesses.
The UK government continues to assess the economic impact of post-Brexit regulations to safeguard the internal market.
