Rotten pork

Katie59, no system is perfect, and of course in any system there will be chancers and cheats. But overall comparing organic with other systems, animals being raised to organic standards will be better fed and raised to higher welfare standards than animals in any other more extensive code, like Red Traactor.

Organic accounts for around 2% of UK food production so in terms of feeding the nation it is irrelevant, of the rest the vast majority is Red Tractor or higher standard. There are no higher standards in the world, the rules that have to be followed are very strong, most on this forum don’t have the first idea what is involved. Anything imported is going to be a lower standard and traceability disappears.

As with any rules there are going to be rules broken and punishment is severe, one isolated case can cost hundreds of thousands and put you out of business, so it’s all taken very seriously. I take heart that the government sets standards that enable farmers to feed the nation.

Over 60% of Brits purchase organic - I wonder the disconnect?

Perhaps some just purchase one or two items?

We have lost all control (over meat and produce coming into the country)

www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/16/uk-at-risk-of-food-safety-expert-warns

Norah

Over 60% of Brits purchase organic - I wonder the disconnect?

Perhaps some just purchase one or two items?

I’m sure 60% have purchased organic and been disappointed with quality and value

I wonder how many sausage rolls, pork pies, ham and BLT sandwiches are bought and eaten in the UK every year. I have no idea, but my guess is many millions. I doubt if people enquire about the provenance of the pork.

And ready meals, ready re-heated pub meals and take-aways.

Exactly! I don't often eat them, but lots of people do and they have a right to know their food is safe to eat, without paying a premium.

It’s important to to exaggerate the issue, the food we buy everyday is safe, we have not had a public health breakdown in recent years, the inspections have worked. Misdescription of food products happens regularly, cheaper substitutes used or places of origin are wrong, this is a trading standards issue, not public health,

Yesterday I called my favourite, because I wanted to purchase a hamper pressie. The provenance of the foods was listed in the easy to read on-line menu. On the phone I asked for clarity, easy.

When I'm forced to eat away from home (by circumstance) I always ask questions to the food. How is that difficult?