The UK government has decided to delay implementing ‘Not for EU’ stickers on food products indefinitely, citing industry concerns.
- The labelling initiative was initially set to begin on October 1, affecting meat, fish, and dairy products sold within the UK.
- Northern Ireland remains required to label such products under existing agreements.
- Industry leaders argued the stickers would impose significant costs and disruptions, leading to delays.
- Government consultations are ongoing, with caution urged over potential impacts on the UK internal market.
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has chosen to indefinitely delay the introduction of ‘Not for EU’ labels on meat, fish, and dairy products sold domestically. Initially proposed by the previous administration, these labels were scheduled for rollout on October 1. However, following substantial lobbying from food industry representatives, the decision has been made to pause the initiative.
Currently, Northern Ireland is obliged to affix these labels due to specific post-Brexit arrangements, distinguishing it from the rest of the UK. The move to label goods was intended to avoid confusion and align with regulatory standards post-Brexit.
Citing concerns from the food and drink sectors, the government decision reflects fears that implementing the stickers could cost the industry hundreds of millions of pounds. There has been widespread anxiety that introducing such labels would not only increase costs but also create administrative burdens, ultimately affecting pricing and investment within the sector.
Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, voiced apprehensions earlier this year that the compulsory labelling could escalate prices and deter investment. Trade associations like Dairy UK supported the delay, with Chief Executive Judith Bryans remarking that the initiative could have led to ‘chaos for dairy’ and imposed ‘significant unnecessary cost and a huge admin burden on businesses.’
A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed that ministers are reviewing evidence provided through consultations. The government is dedicated to safeguarding the UK internal market and is actively engaging with businesses to maintain smooth trade flows to Northern Ireland.
Additionally, recent reports indicate that planned post-Brexit inspections on fruits and vegetables imported from the EU to Britain have been postponed for a third time. Originally slated to commence on 1 January, these checks have now been delayed by six months, moving to 1 July. This extension aims to give the government more time to assess the effects on businesses.
The decision to delay ‘Not for EU’ stickers aims to balance economic impacts while ensuring regulatory compliance and market stability.
