MARKING MEAT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 21 December 1933, Page 7

MARKING MEAT

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN' RECOMMENDATIONS OF COM* MITTEE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 21st December, 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, 20th December. The Ministry of Agriculture standing committee on meat recommends an or-der-in-council prohibiting the importa.tion of chilled href, frozen mutton, lamb and pork unless it hears indication of its origin. It recommended that chilled beef be branded and stamped in ink or stain with a continuous series of words ill letters not less than half an inch in height on the outside of each side in three’ columns extending longitudinally practically the whole length oi the side. Frozen mutton and pork must have four marks on each side in halt-inch letters. The committee considers marking imported frozen beef and veal unnecessary. It suggests that the marking of containers of boneless meat are sufficient. Hie committee states it is satisfied. that the substitution of a cheaper article for higher-priced homo or Empire product takes place to a substantial extent, therefore some form of marking of the Origin of imported meat is desirable in the public interest. “It is only fair to state we are satisfied on the evidence that substitution is not practised by importers and wholesale traders, and that retail traders are aware of the origin of the article they are paying for. Regarding an Australian and New Zealand suggestion that marking would slow down the output, evidence in support of these statements' was too vague in general character to he convincing.’’