FOLLOWING a meeting with NFU representatives, Tesco has agreed to end the practice of selling lamb in packets of mixed origins in order to give greater clarity to consumers.

The NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, and Ulster Farmers’ Union discussed the crucial role the supermarket has to play in supporting the British lamb sector.

Following the meeting, the four farming unions issued a joint statement:

“The meeting involved robust, but useful discussions where all parties agreed that there was a real benefit in continuing conversations to develop greater transparency in the lamb supply chain.

“At this meeting Tesco has confirmed that at the end of February 2016 it will not be selling lamb products in mixed origin packs. The unions welcome this move as it will allow customers to make an informed decision in the origin of the product that they are buying.”

Tesco came in for heavy criticism in September after the discovery of large volumes of New Zealand lamb under a banner proclaiming support for Scottish sheep farmers at a store in Scotland.