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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th February 2010
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New Food Labelling Code
The launch of a new voluntary code of practice today means shoppers can now look forward to clear and consistent labelling on UK pork products for terms such as free range, outdoor bred and outdoor reared.

When it comes to buying pork products, consumers say they do not have enough information to make informed decisions and are confused about terms such as ‘outdoor bred’ and ‘outdoor reared’ and the conditions in which pigs are actually reared.

The new voluntary code, which also covers country of origin and breed labelling, aims to clear up this confusion. It is the work of the Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force [set up under Defra and chaired by the Food and Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick], which has worked in consultation with the RSPCA, retailers and the pig industry to draw up the production method labelling definitions.

The RSPCA are celebrating this development as a key move in farm animal welfare. “This is great news for people and pigs alike. We are right behind the development of this code as we believe it is essential that all pig meat is clearly and consistently labelled so shoppers can make an informed choice about what production methods they are supporting through their purchases,” said Kate Parkes, RSPCA farm animal scientist

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.