A new poll, commissioned by international farm animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming, has found that more than two thirds of people expressing an opinion want clear labelling of production methods on meat and dairy products.

The nationwide poll, carried out by Opinium, used a sample of 1,990 UK citizens from across the political spectrum who were asked: “Do you think that meat and dairy products should or should not be labelled to show the conditions that animals have been reared in, similar to the way shell eggs are currently labelled?” The resounding majority of 68% agreed that these products should be labelled with their method of production (MOP), as it is known in the food industry.

Only 14% did not agree and a further 18% answered ‘don’t know’. The solid majority, which represented every main political group – Conservatives (66%) Labour (80%) and Liberal (71%) – showed an almost even split across every region throughout the UK – North (69%), Midlands (68%), London (66%), South (68%), Wales (73%), Scotland (71%), Northern Ireland (51%).

The poll results coincide with the close of Defra’s call for evidence on MOP labelling today.

“These poll results demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of British people want clear labelling showing how their meat and dairy was produced, in the same way that eggs are now labelled with the method of production,” said Dr Nick Palmer, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK.

“Compassion in World Farming has been calling on Defra to provide MOP labelling for some time and these results show that the British public would welcome seeing more information on their meat and dairy that tells them how they animals were reared.

“We now urge Defra to act on these results and to ensure that MOP labelling is extended to meat and dairy products.”

For more information please email media.team@ciwf.org or call 01483 521 615.

Opinium surveyed 1990 UK adults online between the 24^th and 26^th November 2021. All results are weighted to be demographically and politically representative of the adult population.

Overwhelming majority of British people want clear labelling showing how their meat and dairy was produced, new poll finds