Overview

This Bill mandates food manufacturers to label products sold in the UK with information indicating the environmental sustainability of their origins. It aims to increase transparency and encourage more sustainable food production practices.

Description

The Bill requires the Secretary of State to establish a labelling scheme via regulations. This scheme will include a kitemark signifying environmentally sustainable origins. The definition of "environmentally sustainable" must consider factors such as protection of endangered species habitats, prevention of biodiversity loss and deforestation, and avoidance of significant carbon emission increases. The scheme will also outline enforcement and civil penalty mechanisms for improper labelling or kitemark usage. The regulations must be approved by both Houses of Parliament after consultation with devolved administrations (Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Ireland).

A draft of the scheme must be presented to Parliament within a year of the Act's enactment. The Act applies across the UK.

Government Spending

The Bill doesn't specify any direct government spending figures. However, costs will likely be incurred in developing and implementing the labelling scheme, enforcement, and associated consultations.

Groups Affected

• Food Manufacturers: Will need to adapt their production processes and labelling to comply with the scheme, potentially incurring costs.
• Consumers: Will benefit from greater transparency regarding the environmental impact of their food choices.
• Environmental groups: May see this as a positive step towards more sustainable food systems.
• Devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland): Will be consulted in the development of the regulations.

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