What is the definition of origin? Is it where the animal was born, reared or slaughtered?
The term ‘origin’ in this context, refers to where the animal has spent the majority of its life. Where appropriate, more than one country may be specified (for example where meats of different origins are used, or where an animal has spent approximately equal parts of its life in two countries). All reputable suppliers should be able to provide origin traceability documentation. Also, it is not enough to put the breed of the animal on the menu. If reference to the breed is included, this should still be supported with country of origin details. (For example, some consumers, and caterers, make the assumption that Aberdeen Angus beef is Scottish. While it may be from Scotland, it could also have originated from elsewhere, e.g. Argentina, Brazil, England or Ireland).
