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How do I know which country meat and meat products have come from?

Labels on pre-packed meat products generally identify the type of meat in the product. For meat in processed foods, such as sausage on a pizza, the type of meat only needs to be specified if it constitutes more than 25% of the product by weight. This rule is currently under review by the EU.

Minced beef must show the country of slaughter and the country in which the beef was minced. From January 2002, it must also show the country in which the animals lived from birth to slaughter. Beef that is sold without packaging must carry a label or sign indicating the country of origin.

Processed foods may label the country of origin however this refers to the country in which the food was processed and may not necessarily be the source of any beef ingredients. Food manufacturers can provide further information.