A Somerset MP says shoppers should be able to trust that meat labels reflect the true welfare standards behind their food.
Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has written to Dame Angela Eagle calling for swift action on misleading meat product labelling.
In her role as her party's rural affairs spokesperson, Ms Dyke is backing calls for mandatory animal welfare labelling and stronger enforcement against false or confusing claims.
She said: "People rightly expect honesty when they shop for food.
"If a label suggests high welfare standards, consumers should be able to trust that claim."
Ms Dyke warned that many consumers believe terms like "welfare assured" guarantee high standards of animal care, when this is not always the case.
She said: "Too often, families are left trying to navigate confusing marketing while farmers who do the right thing are undercut.
"Clearer labelling would help shoppers make informed choices and reward producers who uphold high standards."
The MP has also contributed to an inquiry into fairness within the food supply chain, including labelling practices, in her capacity as a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.
Ms Dyke believes that improved labelling would support British farmers and create a level playing field.
She said: "As rural affairs spokesperson, I know that supporting British farmers and improving transparency must go hand in hand.
"Ministers must move quickly to bring forward these changes."
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