In the past, DEFRA has undertaken a consultation on introducing mandatory methods of product labelling, where it found that the policy would improve the welfare of a vast number of farm animals, while financially benefitting farmers. (See the consultation here).

We believe consumers should have as much information as possible to make informed choices about the products they buy. We are committed to a form of eco-labelling that will empower people to make more informed environmental and financial decisions, and encourage farmers to rear animals more sustainably and ethically.

As the UK completes its transition out of the EU, the Government has promised to match or exceed what the EU does on eco-product regulations. We support this approach, and are also calling for an immediate consultation and pilot scheme to be launched which would trial labelling products with their carbon footprints.

Liberal Democrats passed a motion at Spring Conference 2025 (see here) which calls for consumers to be provided with proper information and choice by introducing a clear system of labelling, based on the successful egg labelling system, including:

• The locality the animal was reared in.
• The conditions they were kept in.
• The method of slaughter.
• The environmental impact of the product.

Sarah Dyke MP recently called for improved labelling of animal products to the minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs during a debate, you can read her contribution here.

We are committed to honest food labelling so we know what we are buying.