Unite calls on M&S to label meat products clearly

Demonstrations will be held today (20 March) outside Ipswich M&S in aid of rolling action outside M&S outlets across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The retail chain labels British meat on the front of the packet but uses a small label on the side or back if the meat is from Brazil or Thailand. Some 62% of respondents said that if they had learnt that they had unknowingly bought meat or meat products that were sourced in Thailand or Brazil, that they would change their shopping preference to another retailer. Unite is also calling on M&S to clearly label and state how old meat products are. 85% of respondents said they would be unhappy if their meat was sourced from Thailand, and 70% would be unhappy if it was sourced from Brazil. Often the M&S label does not tell consumers when the animal was slaughtered, or what processes it has been through before arriving at the store, for example freezing. Around 75% of people who buy meat products that are frozen generally assume that they have never been frozen. 90% of people would be disappointed if some meat products that appear to be fresh, has undergone processes such as chilling, freezing or cooking. Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, explained: "The increase of meat imports is putting pressure on already vulnerable low paid workers in the UK who are employed in the meat supply chain. If however, M&S clearly labelled their products in the interests of consumers, low paid UK workers would benefit too." Further research showed that 92% of the sample agreed with the statement that 'it is the responsibility of supermarkets to ensure that workers in their supply chain are treated ethically'. Only 3% disagreed with the statement. 1,100 people responded to the survey.