Defining sourdough: Defra replies
A response to the case presented by the Real Bread Campaign.
On 21 January 2022, the Real Bread Campaign again presented the case for (including expanded evidence of need and benefit of) a legal definition of sourdough bread in the UK.
On 1 March 2022, Defra replied:
“I have been through the document you have sent across, the arguments put forward are being considered by policy officials. We are still working to confirm what will be included in the public consultation on potential amendments to the Bread and Flour Regulations. There is currently no confirmed date for this consultation as things stand. We are working on this with our colleagues in DHSC and across the four nations so there a number of considerations that need to be factored in for timings. We are currently looking to launch the consultation this summer, when we have a better idea of a date we will be sure to inform you and all other members of the technical working group to give you fair notice.”
The Real Bread Campaign continues to participate in the Bread and Flour Technical Working Group set up by Defra, and lobby the government for an Honest Crust Act of improved loaf labelling and marketing legislation. This includes a call for legal definitions of freshly baked / fresh (and similar terms), wholegrain, ancient and heritage wheat/grain, as well as mandatory declaration of all additives for all products
In the meantime, the Campaign calls for all bakers and retailers to make voluntary improvements to their marketing and labelling.
See also
Just a selection of more recent updates on this 12 year + mission:
- Updates from BFTWG meetings
- Sourdough: Continuing governmental failure
- Honest Crust Act: A step closer?
- New PPDS food labelling guidance
- Honest Crust Act: Still no date
- Honest Crust Act: MP slams Defra reply
- Watchdog considering bakery sector investigation
- Loaf law review imminent?
Published Friday 4 March 2022
Real Bread Campaign: The Real Bread Campaign finds and shares ways to make bread better for us, better for our communities and better for the planet. Whether your interest is local food, community-focussed small enterprises, honest labelling, therapeutic baking, or simply tasty toast, everyone is invited to become a Campaign supporter.
