A NORFOLK MP last night welcomed fresh calls to improve the labelling of imported and home-produced meat following the publication of a report into the state of the English pig industry.

SOUTH Norfolk MP Richard Bacon this week welcomed fresh calls to improve the labelling of imported and home-produced meat following the publication of a report into the state of the English pig industry.

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon introduced a ten minute rule bill in parliament last year to change the law to help better inform consumers about where their food comes from.

A report from a group of MPs has now called on the government to support a campaign for pig products to be labelled with country of origin and welfare standard labels.

It comes as the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee publishes its investigation into the country's pig industry today. It reveals that as much as two thirds of imported pig meat might have been reared in conditions banned in this country.

Mr Bacon, a parliamentary champ-ion of the British pig industry, said that the report found that pig farmers were not receiving their fair share of the retail price when taking into account the cost of production and the investment needs of the industry.

The report says that retailers and catering suppliers are responsible for ensuring that the labelling of pig meat products is “clear and unambiguous”, but the MPs said that the government, producers and animal welfare groups all have a role in making certain that consumers understand the difference between the standards of welfare.