Beef labelling

(for Scotland)

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This provides guidance on the labelling of beef. The labelling of ‘Scotch’ beef (or lamb) is protected under EU law and can only be applied to fresh or frozen beef  if the animal was born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland.

The use of term ‘Scottish’ is not protected under EU law in the same way although it can only be applied to beef that was born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland. To apply the description ‘Scottish’ to beef, or any other regional or geographic description, approval must be obtained from the Scottish Government, beef labelling section.

If the above conditions are not met, beef must be labelled with other details. Details of websites and publications covering this topic are within this information.

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